that bubble algae spread >:( i hear emerald crabs are good?

[velocityoflove]

So I hear emerald crabs are great at eating bubble algae as well as other types of algae. My tank is a very typical tank fora first reef tank, so just wondering if one will be alright with what I have in the tank- clowns, chromis, peppermint shrimp, turbo snails, blue leg hermits, and of course, corals.

 

[rdnelson]

Don't add one to take care of a problem but by all means add one if you like them. Try to find what is causing the bubble algae problem and fix that. But to answer your questions, some do eat bubble algae but not all will. But, I have some in my tank and love them. They are fun to watch and don't give anyone any trouble. If they eat some bubble algae that happens to come up that is fine too.

 

[acroholic]

rdnelson99;806578 wrote: Don't add one to take care of a problem but by all means add one if you like them. Try to find what is causing the bubble algae problem and fix that. But to answer your questions, some do eat bubble algae but not all will. But, I have some in my tank and love them. They are fun to watch and don't give anyone any trouble. If they eat some bubble algae that happens to come up that is fine too.

IME it is not a matter of determining the cause of bubble algae. You either have it or you don't. I've never heard or seen anyone reporting you can manage or eliminate it by nutrient management, phosphate or nitrate reduction, etc.

The only way to get rid of it once you have it is to physically eliminate it. The cleanest tank in the world will not prevent BA if it is introduced into your system. It has to be eaten, or picked off, or chemically killed, or however you choose to do it. The majority of folks can just control it, which is what emeralds will do. In some cases, if all the BA is accessible, then they might be able to eliminate it. A naso tang will also eat valonia.

I have also wondered if an insulin syringe filled with hydrogen peroxide, injected inside a piece of BA, would kill it?

 

[rdnelson]

Acroholic;806583 wrote: IME it is not a matter of determining the cause of bubble algae. You either have it or you don't. I've never heard or seen anyone reporting you can manage or eliminate it by nutrient management, phosphate or nitrate reduction, etc.

The only way to get rid of it once you have it is to physically eliminate it. The cleanest tank in the world will not prevent BA if it is introduced into your system. It has to be eaten, or picked off, or chemically killed, or however you choose to do it. The majority of folks can just control it, which is what emeralds will do. In some cases, if all the BA is accessible, then they might be able to eliminate it. A naso tang will also eat valonia.

I have also wondered if an insulin syringe filled with hydrogen peroxide, injected inside a piece of BA, would kill it?

Good info. I figured it was like other algaes. I do know that when I added three emeralds, one eat the BA and the other two never even looked at it. But it was fun watching the one that did. He would tug and tug until it finally broke loose. When it did he would almost topple over backwards.

 

[chris s]

If you can get the rock out and pick it off that would be my first choice. I have been spot treating bubble algae in my tank with reef napalm and have had good results. The bubble turns clear in a day and slowly dissolves. I have only had to treat two places in the last six months. I can live with that.

As Rich said it is hit or miss if emerald crabs will actually eat bubble algae. I had a few in an old tank and only one ate it. I did have one that killed a diamond goby. I noticed the gobies tail was pretty badly chewed up one day. The next day I watched the crab attack the goby as he rested / slept. They are a crab and crabs are opportunistic scavengers. I am not saying all emeralds are bad but it is a possibility.

 

[ralph atl]

Acroholic;806583 wrote: IME it is not a matter of determining the cause of bubble algae. You either have it or you don't. I've never heard or seen anyone reporting you can manage or eliminate it by nutrient management, phosphate or nitrate reduction,
I have also wondered if an insulin syringe filled with hydrogen peroxide, injected inside a piece of BA, would kill it?

Yes, H202 will kill it....or just pluck it...

 

[snowmansnow]

velocityoflove;806576 wrote: So I hear emerald crabs are great at eating bubble algae as well as other types of algae. My tank is a very typical tank fora first reef tank, so just wondering if one will be alright with what I have in the tank- clowns, chromis, peppermint shrimp, turbo snails, blue leg hermits, and of course, corals.

I'm also having an issue with bubble algae in my 120g display...

I'm really not sure what started it, but I can say that I wish I had jumped on it sooner to remove the stuff. I would suggest start by removing as much of it as you can. Attempt not to pop it, but if you do just pull the husk out and keep going. If you can touch it, it should be removed. You can also use a sharp something or other to pry it loose.

If you're comfortable with it you can also start raising Mg.. thats where I am in the process right now.

Good luck.

Get that stuff out!

Edit: to answer your question an emerald crab would be a great addition to the tank IMO He may or may not touch the algae though.

Edit:

Acroholic;806583 wrote: IME it is not a matter of determining the cause of bubble algae. You either have it or you don't. I've never heard or seen anyone reporting you can manage or eliminate it by nutrient management, phosphate or nitrate reduction, etc.

The only way to get rid of it once you have it is to physically eliminate it. The cleanest tank in the world will not prevent BA if it is introduced into your system. It has to be eaten, or picked off, or chemically killed, or however you choose to do it. The majority of folks can just control it, which is what emeralds will do. In some cases, if all the BA is accessible, then they might be able to eliminate it. A naso tang will also eat valonia.

I have also wondered if an insulin syringe filled with hydrogen peroxide, injected inside a piece of BA, would kill it?

for what its worth I agree with this. I have no algae in my tank AT ALL... EXCEPT bubble algae... water is great, parameters are stable... it just popped up ... :mad2: