Red Bubble Algae

[Clyde]

I think I have red bubble algae. Is it bad? if so, how do I get rid of it? I only have very small bubbles in two spots. Will post pic later.

[CHUBAKAH]

I think I have red bubble algae. Is it bad? if so, how do I get rid of it? I only have very small bubbles in two spots. Will post pic later.

Yes it is not good as it can take over. If you can remove the rock it's on scrape it with something like a screw driver, or something sharp. If you can't remove the rock, start a siphon with a small hose or tube and vacuum the water around the spot as you scrape it all off.

GL

[Clyde]

Thanx for the info. I took out the rock I could and used utility scissors to cut and scrape the area and wiped it off. The rock I couldn't take out I used my suction tubing while I scraped it off. It's a shame, It was very pretty real bright red.

Thanx again!!!

[treesprite]

Is bubble algae something that would be good in a refugium though?

[jason the filter freak]

Bubble algae in a fuge could easily spread into the main system so bad idea. (Forrest)

 

Can you take a picture I have never seen red bubble algea, emrald crabs will eat the green kind so you might have luck with them.

[CHUBAKAH]

 

 

Can you take a picture I have never seen red bubble algea, emrald crabs will eat the green kind so you might have luck with them.

Here's a pic

[treesprite]

Are you thinking they would go through the return or something? If there's nothing to break it up, that's not going to happen. I'm just pondering anyway....

[CHUBAKAH]

Are you thinking they would go through the return or something? If there's nothing to break it up, that's not going to happen. I'm just pondering anyway....

Can't find the article I read about it months ago, but here is a lot of what you need to know about it:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcj/feature/index.php

Hope that helps.

[treesprite]

Can't find the article I read about it months ago, but here is a lot of what you need to know about it:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcj/feature/index.php

Hope that helps.

That's a good article, thanks

I didn't know they actually attatch in the substrate. I've only ever had a really good look at it once and those were little green balls that were just laying loose in a couple buckets of sand that I got from someone else (I washed it very well).

[reefmontalvo]

I think if you introduced an emril crab it might eat all that bubble algea. Also starve it out by cutting out the phospahtes in the tank.

[gmubeach]

Watch out emerald crabs may or may not be entirely reef safe!

[reefmontalvo]

Hmmm. Never thought about that. I figured them to be peacefull. Well would a tang then be an equvilant to rid your self of red algea, unless this is cyano?

[treesprite]

Actually emerald crabs can perpetuate the problem. They do eat the stuff, but when the algae "bubbles" aren't really small the crabs break them, therby propogating them.

[reefmontalvo]

So the crab. Is only good for preventative maintenance.