controllling bubble algae

jordanh · 05/17/2009, 10:38 AM

I've got a 10g tank that grows bubble algae really well. I've got a small bioload (1 small fish) and don't feed very much because he eats algae off the rocks. No filtration outside of LR, 1 hydor koralia 1 and a heater. I do a 2 gal water change almost every week. So a pretty simple setup but I'm not sure what to do to get rid of the bubble algae.

I thought the problem might be phosphates but they tested 0. Is there any use to using something like phosban if phosphates measure 0?

Here are some pics:

46FiatYamaha · 05/17/2009, 12:13 PM

the bubble algae could be consuming any nitrates or phospates so that you don't get a reading on the tests. The best way I was able to rid my tank of bubble algae (I had quite a bit) was to manually remove every rock they were on and scrub it clean in saltwater. Then whenever a new one pops up every now and then, pull it out with tweezers and try not to break the bubble. Worked for me and have very little bubble algae now. Some people have had good luck with emerald crabs, which may be an option for you too

Ehaze · 05/17/2009, 12:39 PM

only way I know how is to start over again.

cloak · 05/17/2009, 02:55 PM

Here's a good article.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-0...ture/index.php

I really dig how you used that pvc to suspend the lighting. Very cool.

gooyferret · 05/17/2009, 09:05 PM

Emerald crabs are known to eat it, otherwise a Sea Hare could work HTH.

entropygain · 05/18/2009, 09:59 AM

No sea hare in a 10g --
manual + emerald will probably take care of it.
Valonia can be a pain...

05/17/2009, 10:38 AM	#1
jordanh Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Utah Posts: 178	controllling bubble algae I've got a 10g tank that grows bubble algae really well. I've got a small bioload (1 small fish) and don't feed very much because he eats algae off the rocks. No filtration outside of LR, 1 hydor koralia 1 and a heater. I do a 2 gal water change almost every week. So a pretty simple setup but I'm not sure what to do to get rid of the bubble algae. I thought the problem might be phosphates but they tested 0. Is there any use to using something like phosban if phosphates measure 0? Here are some pics:

05/17/2009, 12:39 PM	#3
Ehaze Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Thornton, Colorado Posts: 1,259	only way I know how is to start over again. __________________ 75g SPS tank, 30gal sump/refuge. Melev RO/DI, Coravue duel calc reactor, MSP 200 skimmer, 2 Vortech MP40, Mag drive 9.5 return, autotopoff.com ATO, 2 CoralVue 250W SE finished pendants(with 20k Radium bulbs), powered by 2x Icecap ballasts, controlled by a ACJR.

05/17/2009, 09:05 PM	#5
gooyferret Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 599	Emerald crabs are known to eat it, otherwise a Sea Hare could work HTH. __________________ I smell something Fishy! Oops excuse me! Current Tank Info: 180gal Mixed Reef

05/18/2009, 09:59 AM	#6
entropygain Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 283	No sea hare in a 10g -- manual + emerald will probably take care of it. Valonia can be a pain... __________________ ...remind me to go diving more often Current Tank Info: 140 gal LPS/Softie reef

05/17/2009, 12:13 PM	#2
46FiatYamaha Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Matthews NC Posts: 990	the bubble algae could be consuming any nitrates or phospates so that you don't get a reading on the tests. The best way I was able to rid my tank of bubble algae (I had quite a bit) was to manually remove every rock they were on and scrub it clean in saltwater. Then whenever a new one pops up every now and then, pull it out with tweezers and try not to break the bubble. Worked for me and have very little bubble algae now. Some people have had good luck with emerald crabs, which may be an option for you too

05/17/2009, 02:55 PM	#4
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	Here's a good article. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-0...ture/index.php I really dig how you used that pvc to suspend the lighting. Very cool.