Pipe Organ Coral Problems

[ellebelle]

I have a pipe organ coral that has been flourishing in my tank. When I got it, it had very few polyps, but in the last couple of months, it has exploded and I've got tons of new growth.

I am currently battling a bubble algae problem, and three of the tubes currently have bubble algae in them. I tried to pull it out, but I'm afraid of breaking the bubbles and making the problem worse.

Also, on the back of the pipe organ, there seems to be some kind of white sponge growing on it. It doesn't seems to be smothering the polyps or hurting it in any way, but should I attempt to remove it?

Thanks!

 

[Craig]

remove the large bubbles very carefully manually. an emerald crab should take care of the smaller bubbles.

 

[ellebelle]

Yeah, I've got two emerald crabs romping about in my tank now. Though, they don't seem too interested in the bubble algae.

 

[herman]

Use a siphon hose in conjunction with manual removal. At least if it does break most if not all the spores will get sucked out. Just make sure you have all the powerheads etc off for the procedure. Keep in mind to hold the siphon hose at an angle below because the spores are heavier than water and will fall downwards.

HTH,
Herman

 

[herman]

For manual removar maniculing scissors work great. Make sure you scrape a bit of the rock underneath so you get the root with it.

 

[ellebelle]

Will using manicure scissors hurt the pipe organ? I can definitely do that with the LR, but I'm worried about damaging the coral.

 

[Craig]

dont feed your tank for a bit. the emerald crabs will eventualy take care of it

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

You could take the coral out of the tank, remove the bubble algae, rinse the coral off with some salt water and then put it back into the tank.