Bubble algae
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Help
Forum Name: General Help
Forum Description: The place to ask about pest, problems, hitchhikers, etc.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=61169
Printed Date: February 01 2026 at 6:48am
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Topic: Bubble algae
Posted By: Dan9554880
Subject: Bubble algae
Date Posted: January 03 2013 at 7:09pm
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I got a bubble of bubble algae. It's almost touching one of my corals. How can I get rid of it before it becomes a big problem? ------------- 210 Mixed Reef 20 Nuvo nano reef Learn your tank, not the hobby |
Replies:
Posted By: DLindquist
Date Posted: January 03 2013 at 10:40pm
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Many people will simply "pop" the valonia, or bubble, algae. I like to try and gently remove the piece without popping the skin. Emerald crabs have been know to eradicate valonia algae as they have done in our own tank. If left only, the algae will contine to reproduce but should not cause any harm to your coral. ------------- A government strong enough to give you everything you want, is powerful enough to take everything you have. |
Posted By: phys
Date Posted: January 04 2013 at 12:25am
| its never harmed anything of mine but if you want it off, just take it off.... |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: January 04 2013 at 6:36am
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If you pop it, it can spread spores. I use bone cutters to carefully break a piece of rock off with the bubble so I don't pop it. ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: January 04 2013 at 7:42am
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I've injected the bubble with vinegar or peroxide. Kills the algae without popping it.
(It will turn from green to white and then just fall off)
Works great, but would be kind of a pain if you have alot of bubbles to deal with... ------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Dan9554880
Date Posted: January 04 2013 at 1:17pm
For the vinegar I just put a little bit on top of the bubble? Since is really close to my coral will the vinegar harm the coral (zoas)? After taking te rock out and putting the vinegar and do I just put it back in the tank? Will the vinegar on the rock and if it spread harm the system? ------------- 210 Mixed Reef 20 Nuvo nano reef Learn your tank, not the hobby |
BobC63 wrote:Posted By: Dan9554880
Date Posted: January 04 2013 at 1:18pm
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Will emerald crabs harm anything? (Reef safe) ------------- 210 Mixed Reef 20 Nuvo nano reef Learn your tank, not the hobby |
Posted By: ReefdUp
Date Posted: January 04 2013 at 1:24pm
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Crabs are opportunistic. If they aren't getting enough food...or aren't satisfied with the type available, they will go after other things. I had one that grew rather large and decided to go after my SPS. He was immediately banished to the sump. ------------- www.reefdup.com Diving since 2009, reefkeeping since 2007, & fishkeeping since 1987 200g, 75g, & 15g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water |
Posted By: DLindquist
Date Posted: January 04 2013 at 1:25pm
Emeralds like to pick at the rock. Sometimes they will knock frags over if not properly secured. Other than that, they should be reef safe. We have four in our 270G.
------------- A government strong enough to give you everything you want, is powerful enough to take everything you have. |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: January 04 2013 at 1:30pm
If you want to try the vinegar, it needs to be injected into the bubble. If you simply try to 'apply' it to the outside of the algae, I think the bubble 'skin' is pretty resistant.
On the peroxide, you could try removing the rock from the water and then pouring a small amount directly onto the bubble itself. Peroxide is alot more reactive and that might do the trick. ------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Dan9554880
Date Posted: January 04 2013 at 11:12pm
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I'm thinking of going with the emerald crab first. Since its just one bubble will one be enough? Where is the best place to get them at the lowest cost? ------------- 210 Mixed Reef 20 Nuvo nano reef Learn your tank, not the hobby |
Posted By: DLindquist
Date Posted: January 05 2013 at 8:03am
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Emeralds are around 6-$8 just about anywhere. You could try "Chad" on this message board. He usually has some. ------------- A government strong enough to give you everything you want, is powerful enough to take everything you have. |
Posted By: 1stupidpunk
Date Posted: January 05 2013 at 8:49am
| I had a few spots of bubble algae on a frag i got from somebody and my yellow tang thought it was a tasty snack.... |
Posted By: Aquatic Evolution
Date Posted: January 07 2013 at 8:04pm
| We have Emeralds for $4.99. Fox Face Rabbits work well also. One Spot, Virgate, Lo Uspi, Magnificent and so on. |