Red Bubble Algae Or Cyanobacteria??

[kat 4]

I'm moving these photos over to reef to see if you think this is red bubble algae or cyanobacteria....there are sparkly bubbles on top of red algae appearing on my rocks and starting to migrate to my corals. HELP! I'm in the process of getting a foxface ( it'll be here tomorrow)but after reading the horrible things about bubble algae I'm nervous. Please let me know your opinions

 

[chilwil84]

if the bubbles are hard i think it is red bubble algae never had it (have some green but i dont think it takers over your tank the same way)but have read a little about it. if the bubbles are soft and popable like you put a freshwater buble rock under a rock and trapped some bubbles than it is cyno

 

[happyhourh]

Just agitate the bubbles lightly, you should be able to tell pretty easily if they are gas or plant matter.

 

[reefreak29]

bump

 

[92protruck]

looks like cyano to me but like the above post said just stick your hand in the tank and rub it off. cyano will easily rub away. I have a red bubble algae problem and it is nothing like cyano. They are hard bubbles attached by a short stem. You can dislodge them but they retain their firm shape. They have a thick clear gell inside. No sense in taking a poll by looking at a picture just grab one and you'll know for sure very quickly.

 

[kat 4]

Thanks so much - I can rub them off with a red slime that comes with them. So I am thinking that means they are cyano. Definitely they do not have stems and aren't thick red bubbles.
We did a water change today ( we do them weekly) and cut down on lighting so hopefully that will help - plus I will slow down on feeding.

 

[reefreak29]

Originally Posted by Kat 4
Thanks so much - I can rub them off with a red slime that comes with them. So I am thinking that means they are cyano. Definitely they do not have stems and aren't thick red bubbles.
We did a water change today ( we do them weekly) and cut down on lighting so hopefully that will help - plus I will slow down on feeding.

, and u doubted me

 

[kat 4]

THANKS REEF FREAK - YOU ARE THE MAN! ( OR WOMAN) You were right on!
I appreciate your help and interest and encouraging me to pursue this. Thank you again,

 

[kat 4]

p.s. Does this mean I just received a sweet little foxface rabbitfish today for no reason? Guess I'll just enjoy the way he looks and not think about if he's eating red algae or not!

 

[reefreak29]

what other fish do u have right now

 

[kat 4]

In a 75 gallon I have yellow tang, blue hippo tang, and cinnamon clown with her anemone. Actually this morning the foxface is starting to swim with the tangs. It's really cute! they really like each other. She is still a little scared but at least she is moving - not eating yet but she just arrived yesterday. It looks like they will all get along swimmingly!!!