Bad bad bubble algae

Dani · 09-23-2006, 05:32 PM

Well, my bubble algae started off as just a few clusters and I wasn't too worried. Now it is ALL over. Today I tried picking off some clusters, I think I pulled about 1/3 - 1/2 of it off. Is there anything that eats bubble algae? I thought I had heard that emerald crabs do, is this true? Is there any other way to get rid of it other than picking it off?

Thanks for any help,
Dani

ChrisPrusha · 09-23-2006, 05:48 PM

Emerald crabs are hit or miss. Mostly miss, ime. I pick it off while I do water changes on my 20H.

DebsSisterFlo · 09-23-2006, 06:01 PM

I pick it off, if it's on a small rock I try to pull it out of the water and pick it off, cuz if you break them open they spread whatever it is that makes them spread. I have 2 or 3 big bubbles that I'm afraid to try to pull off.

Dani · 09-23-2006, 06:01 PM

yeah, my only worry with picking it off is that I'll pop them. There's just so many! I pulled of the big clusters that were easily accessable, but it's going to be hard to get the rest of it with out popping it.

Dani · 09-23-2006, 06:02 PM

Pulling the rocks out is a good idea (although a pain) I'll try that with my smaller rocks, but I don't want to have to completely re-do my aquascaping if I can avoid it.

hng · 09-23-2006, 06:22 PM

I don't know how big your tank is or how much bubble algae you have, but if you have a relatively small tank with lots of algae - bite the bullet and do it now!!! Pull out as many rocks as you can and remove the bubbles, then rinse each rock off with salt water (to remove spores from burst bubbles) before replacing it in the tank. IME, the problem will only get worse if you don't get it under control now. I have seen bubble algae overgrow and kill corals.