BUBBLE ALGAE
- Thread starter JDSmith
- Start date
NanoReefaholic
New Member
You don't want to pop the bubble in the tank but if you can get the rock out during your next water change you can try to 'pry' off the bubble and rinse it very well with the waste water. The bubble may pop yet some times you can get it out whole but no matter what be sure to rinse the rock well. You don't want the spores reintroduced into the tank.
As with any algae they need to have a nutrient source. Keep on top of your levels and water changes. This will somewhat slow their growth until you get a control on it. Even though bubble algae can survive in low nutrient environments a high nutrient environment will exasperate the issue. Water changes will also reduce the spores in the water column.
There is the option of emerald crabs but they aren't 100% guaranteed to eat it and they may also pose a risk to corals, some have been known to munch or irritate corals.
As with any algae they need to have a nutrient source. Keep on top of your levels and water changes. This will somewhat slow their growth until you get a control on it. Even though bubble algae can survive in low nutrient environments a high nutrient environment will exasperate the issue. Water changes will also reduce the spores in the water column.
There is the option of emerald crabs but they aren't 100% guaranteed to eat it and they may also pose a risk to corals, some have been known to munch or irritate corals.
NanoReefaholic
New Member
Ah well then you're stuck. The bubble will just keep growing until it pops so you'll want to control when that happens. Remember the issue is the spores within the bubble, they need to be removed. If you have some airline tubing and a water change ready you can shut off the pumps and use the tubing to suck out the water while you pry the bubble gently off the rock from the bottom. Being airline tubing it will give you a bit of working time but if you see any spores coming out be sure to suck it up.
You may get lucky and have the bubble in tact but still do an extra water change or two the week you do this and run carbon for the week, also changed half way out. Bubble algae can be a PITA if it gets out of hand so don't be afraid to suck out water.
You may get lucky and have the bubble in tact but still do an extra water change or two the week you do this and run carbon for the week, also changed half way out. Bubble algae can be a PITA if it gets out of hand so don't be afraid to suck out water.
NanoReefaholic
New Member
BTW what corals? Some like zoas can handle being out of the water for the time it takes to remove the bubble algae. Think of how long they are out of water when fragging.
I had a big problem with bubble algae... and to be honest, I came home from work/school one night and lost it. I ripped/popped almost every single one I could find, knowing the spores would spread, then vacuumed it all out... I really didn't care anymore.
I had bubble algae because I hadn't changed the water in forever and even used tap water at one point. I recently bought an RO/DI system and added a fuge with Chaeto. The bubble alge hasn't returned since.
I had bubble algae because I hadn't changed the water in forever and even used tap water at one point. I recently bought an RO/DI system and added a fuge with Chaeto. The bubble alge hasn't returned since.
I know just what you felt like. I have not reached that stage as yet. I do 20% water exchanges every ten days. I have started removing any new ones while they are still small and easy to get off with my siphon hose. They do not tend to pop when they are small. The big ones are impossible to remove without popping.
Has anyone tried injecting boiling water into the bubble? I don't know if that would kill the spores or not.
J.D.
Has anyone tried injecting boiling water into the bubble? I don't know if that would kill the spores or not.
J.D.