bubble algae

[dymonddale]

besides emerald crabs,which don't seem to work,how can i get rid of excessive green bubble algae?

 

[madrefkepr]

Only method I've found so far is to pick it off. Don't do it in the aquarium, broken bubbles spread spores (I am told). I pick them off the rocks, then take a bucket of salt water, put a ph with a hose attached to it, and use the hose to rinse the rock into another bucket.

HTH

 

[Mogo]

I just pick them off myself. I try not to break them in the process because if the "spores" are in reproductive mode, you could spread your problem around. Having said that, I just pick them off. I've kept my valonia under good control that way. Delbeek and Sprung suggest that the best defence against bubble algae is to get a good growth of encrusting coraline algae happening on your lr..

 

[Lurshy]

I had a few of these pop up in my tank. I put a Python over them which I use for water changes, and picked them off. This way if they broke (and they did), the spores would get sucked up (hopefully). A couple regrew on the same rock, and I needed to repeat, but I haven't seen any in a couple of months.

 

[Mogo]

Lurshy.
Oh yeah I forgot to mention that I have done the same thing with a big turkey baster . I can't tell if it really works or not, but my valonia is nearly non-existant.

 

[sandworm]

In my tank I have found a direct correlation to water quality and the multiplication of Valonia. If I keep on top of water changes and pick or pop the bubbles, I can keep the problem in check. I purchased a desjardini tang with little result and same with emerald crab.

 

[Mogo]

IME there isn't a fish that will touch bubble algae. Agreed, high water quality ain't going to hurt.

 

[Pirate]

:lol: I was overun with bubble for about 4 months, I went the scrubbing route and the crabs, the whole bit. Finally I bought a Foxface, he keeps my tank completey clean of the stuff. I have even seen him chase down and consume bubbles that have broken loose from the rock. As far as water quality... I always thought that it was the general consensus that bubble does not grow in a tank with poor quality water. I have been told repeatedly that bubble is a good sign, although a nuisance. Not sure that I agree but I know many knowledgeable tank owners that have some bubble.

 

[GSchiemer]

IME there isn't a fish that will touch bubble algae. Agreed, high water quality ain't going to hurt.

Many fish will eat Valonia algae. The most reliable, IME, is the Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma desjardinii), but Sohal tangs and some Naso tangs will eat it as well.

Greg Schiemer