Bubble Algae

cb747 · #1 01/01/2008, 09:06 PM

Bubble algae is invading my neglected tank

I slacked all summer and have only recently started paying attention to it the way i should have been all along. Whats the best way to combat this? I know Emerald crabs and i just bought 6 but my snowflake eels have eaten atleast 1 of them

Any other ways besides manual removal and getting my parameters back on track? I added a DIY nitrate reactor thats still cycling and changed out my PO4 media a few days ago.

TimSalty · #2 01/02/2008, 12:48 AM

Emerald crabs will eat bubble algae,

TimSalty · #3 01/02/2008, 11:24 AM

Hi Again, I know my answer was short. Here's some great info.

From Julian Sprung's book "Algea A Problem Solver Guide" page 50

Conrtols: Low Nitate Levels, Remove by hand or siphoning, Herbivores.

Herbivores: Surgeonfish, Rabbitfish,Crabs.

From the book "Marine Invertebrates" page 262

Emerald Crabs, "This is one of the few aquarium animals that will eat bubble algae, which may occasionally reach plague proportions in some tanks"

Both books have helped me over the years to trouble shoot some silly, and often simple problems that can easily seem like a major problem. In my opinion both books, and even a few others are a must in any reefers library.

Good luck, and Happy New Year.

Tim

cb747 · #4 01/02/2008, 01:25 PM

Great Tim thank you for the information! Ill try a Rabbitfish as my tangs dont seem the least bit interested in it.

TimSalty · #5 01/02/2008, 03:50 PM

I had a problem a few years ago and go a bunch of emerald crabs (About 20) and that did the trick, But I didn't have anyone eating them in the tank.

Good Luck, and keep us informed on what worked for you

cb747 · #6 01/02/2008, 06:22 PM

I will Tim. I saw 1 emerald last night so hopefully the other 4 are ok. I try to keep my eels well fed so that should help.

Thanks again!