LFS and bubble algae

S

Shilpan

Member
I have found an awesome new LFS that have a good range of marine fish.

They have an awesome frag tank too. I wanted to buy some corals from there later as my usual stores don't sell frags only large expensive corals. (I haven't even cycled my new tank yet, planning on softies in 6-8 months, just researching atm).

I noticed their tank had bubble algae. These large like 1inch black looking bubbles. They were only on some frags though, 98% were untouched.

Do you guys think it's best not to buy from that tank? Or is inspection and removal of bubbles enough to stop it spreading to my tank?
 
santamonicahelp

santamonicahelp

Member
I think buying the tank that contains the algae is no issue. I recommend you get or make an algea scrubber. Here's a thread that shows in depth how to make the lowest cost algae scrubber: https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/index.php?threads/lowest-cost-and-easiest-way-to-eliminate-green-hair-bubble-turf-and-slime-algae-from-your-aquarium-hopefully-permanently.391528/
Bubble algae is one of the longer algaes to remove. They have a membrane that coats the algae and inside that membrain the algae stores nutrients. It's not one of the most harmful or contagious algaes, but I think it's worth removing. In my opinion, it's worth buying the tank if you want that tank, a simple scrubber will do the job. :)
Removing Bubble Algae is easy compared to Bryopsis Algae.
Feel free to contact me if you need any help or assistance. :)

- C. Smith
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
Two words: "emerald crab". These interesting little creatures love bubble algae, and will eat it happily. that said, an algae scrubber will help with bubble algae, and with many other problems in marine aquaria. IMHO highly rrecommended.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
The Bubble Algae species that look like big black marbles are really not invasive. They typically grow as a single bubble and spread slowly making them an interesting feature and easy to remove when you want.

I'm not saying this about Bubble Algae in general, quite the opposite. Just the large 1 - 2" single bubbles. I used to enjoy them until my Pencil-Streak nibbled one. The next day they were all gone.
 
S

Shilpan

Member
Unfortunately I can't get emerald crabs in NZ due to import restrictions I think!

Ahh yes the local fish store said something similar, they told me a good dip and maybe quarantine would be sufficient to avoid it.

And yes algae scrubber! I've started looking into one. I'm thinking of actually setting it up with the tank from day one. Might help manage phosphates. Just trying to choose between refugium, GFO, or Red Sea nopox or bio pellets.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
There are many differing opinions on this but my advice is NOT to start running an algae scrubber, or even an algae refugium right away. I highly recommend waiting until after the tank has cycled and is stable.
 
S

Shilpan

Member
so you reckon cycle the tank, and see how it goes with stocking and water maintenace etc..?

And then once I get algae problems I can't handle, add things on?
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
It's just my opinion. Take in the options and do what you think is best.

In my experience, having a lot of algae growing during the cycle interferes with the healthy colonization of nitrifying bacteria. That's why I advise to wait until after the cycle completes and the bacteria populations are stable. No need to wait for algae problems, just wait until bacteria colonies are healthy.
 
S

Shilpan

Member
Gotcha! Thanks for all your help much appreciated :) it makes sense to me also that the bacteria colonies would grow better if they had their nutrients there for them.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
That's pretty sound advice. And if you leave lights off during the cycle you can better avoid an outbreak of said nasties in the display during or towards the end of the first cycle.

Then set up your algae/scrubber and kick on the lights. ;)
 
santamonicahelp

santamonicahelp

Member
Actually, setting up an algae scrubber before your tank is done cycling won't do any harm. Actually your tank might benefit from installing an algae scrubber during or before the cycle. It will take the take out the ammonia that develops, thus saving more life.

- C. Smith
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Hmm...In the case of an ATS it could possibly work well for both.

When I first started up my 120g system I did so along with the scrubber.

I did ghost feed a little bit during the cycle as well as had the scrubber running. However, the scrubber didn't really start growing or doing much of anything until I started stocking the system and feeding with purpose.

By then it started growing the red'ish/brown stuff which is presumably mostly phosphates. The actually green algae didn't start taking off until around 2 months in.

I'm thinking there could have been time there to get a good base of bacteria going.

Starting out day 1 with a fuge full of algae maybe not so much.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Makes sense to me. As long as the scrubber doesn't take ammonia down to zero. hmmmm, thanks for the thought.
 
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