Bubble Algae

[phoenix316]

How do you get rid of bubble algae?
I have tried to remove it with a razor, but it just keeps comming back.
I don't know what to do, i put the rock in a seperate tank and then remove the algae with an exacto knife, but it just doesn't seem to work.
Please someone help me, it just keeps comming back.

 

[grandmarm]

what is bubble algae? does it grow on the live rock? we have green bubble that grows on algae then comes off and stays on botton of tank.

 

[tulip89]

Try and get some emerald crabs.. they like munching on the stuff.. If you have alot get 2 .. Just don't remove them inside your tank ... or they will make them spread more...

 

[bigarn]

Originally posted by grandmarm
what is bubble algae? does it grow on the live rock? we have green bubble that grows on algae then comes off and stays on botton of tank.

grandmarm-
Sounds like bubble algae...as mentioned, try some emerald crabs. They got rid of mine.

 

[grandmarm]

thanks. I have a starfish, will it eat the crabs?

 

[tulip89]

What kind of starfish do you have ?? Most will not bother the crabs.. I have a sand sifter .. and they get alone find.. :happy:

 

[phoenix316]

Any other suggestions other than an emerald crab, i will pick one up, but the last two we got died, well not so much died as disappeared without a trace.
So is there anything else other than emerald crab idea.

 

[clarkiiboi]

The only two common options that I know of are emeralds (which only work on new or small bubbles) or manually. You said you used a razor and an exacto knife--did they come off without bursting? If not, then that will release spores and cause more bubbles. If one would burst, rinse well with saltwater. I seen you already stated that you used a seperate bucket, good start. For manual removal, try to pry up the bubble with a dull knife or gently rock back and forth. Others ways I have read about is to try to use a syphon while prying off to hopefully catch most of the spores released if it would burst. HTH
grandmarm I cant quit understand what you said, but here is a pic of green bubble algea HTH

 

[grandmarm]

yes that is what is growing on rock. If I can figure out how to take pictures and post I will do so in future. What is HTH?
Once again thanks for all help.
Since this is fairly new hobby, we are still learning.
The next step is getting some corals to put on the rock. If anybody has some suggestions it would be appreciated. We have none now and want to start but don't know what to start with that we don't kill.:help:

 

[bigarn]

HTH=Hope this Helps
Good starter corals would be mushrooms, zoos, polyps, xenia, leathers etc. HTH

 

[grandmarm]

thanks again.
one day everything will fall into place.

 

[treystang]

Originally posted by phoenix316
Any other suggestions other than an emerald crab, i will pick one up, but the last two we got died, well not so much died as disappeared without a trace.
So is there anything else other than emerald crab idea.
if you have a lot of rock emeralds dont come out very often.. I have one (emerald) in my tank and am lucky to see him once every two weeks.

 

[usagichan]

surgeon fish tend to take care of bubble algae as well, if you have the space/proper enviroment in your tank available. I think the next issue of Aquarium FISH magazine is doing a pretty extensive article on Bubble Algae.