Bubble algae solution needed
- Thread starter Veinz
- Start date
Rabbit fish work great. Rabbit fish would be natural.
Emac909
0
I say Rabbit fish too, I tried emeralds and they did nothing. I had a scribbled rabbit fish that did an amazing job on bubble algae and never touched my SPS
JojosReef
Member
Maybe a small foxface for the 40g cube, then mpve over to the 250?
Problem is it will grow too big for the 40, so you won't be able to put it back in when the bubble algae comes back.
Pithos crabs have been better than emeralds for me. You might try adding a couple of pithos after the FF to keep regrowth in check.
Problem is it will grow too big for the 40, so you won't be able to put it back in when the bubble algae comes back.
Pithos crabs have been better than emeralds for me. You might try adding a couple of pithos after the FF to keep regrowth in check.
Also, remove valonia by hand as much as you can. Pop it, scrub it off, etc. The key is removing all of the tissue. You can also make a bubble algae siphon by taking a piece of rigid tubing (1/2" or 3/8"), cut a 45 on one end, put the other in vinyl or silicone tubing and siphon into a filter sock in the sump, while siphoning and stabbing the algae, the sharp end will dislodge the algae and it siphons directly into the filter sock.
There are no spores in valonia, so there's absolutely no risk of it spreading because you pop it, it spreads by the exterior tissue.
There are no spores in valonia, so there's absolutely no risk of it spreading because you pop it, it spreads by the exterior tissue.
Not sure if you're planning to qt, (you should). If you do you can feed it some of the bubble algae you pull out of the display to condition it to eat it. Should supplement with other more nutritious foods as well but this will help ensure it's got a taste for bubble algae before it goes into the tank.
JojosReef
Member
Not entirely true. Valonia can reproduce sexually in addition to what it does most often: asexually budding off new bubbles. Popping a Valonia going sexual or about to go sexual would release gametes that can cause a bunch of new bubble algae. Two important considerations:
1. I understand (admittedly only through reading and no expert knowledge) this happens most often when a Valonia bubble is quite large, so popping smaller bubbles is less likely to catch the Valonia in this phase.
2. If the Valonia is going sexual, it was probably going to release all those gametes in any case.
Note: in the case of #2, complete removal of the bubble without popping would in theory prevent the spread from that bubble going sexual. So there may be some benefit to the grueling task of removing bubbles without popping them. I'll let the user judge the cost benefit ratio though!
#2 is very uncommon in aquaria, so much so that it's nothing I would be concerned about (which is why I didn't mention it) unless there's an extreme amount that's been growing for a very long time. In any case, whether it be by hand or a fishes mouth, the risk is the same (next to zero). I don't know of any example where a herbivore (fish) was employed that ate valonia and it exploded beyond its appetite. The common issue is using emerald crabs, where the crabs just can't keep up with the growth or there are too many other food sources for them to focus on just one algae.
There are other herbivores (fish) that consume valonia, common sailfin tang being one, certain naso tangs also have eaten it, but with fish, there's always a chance it doesn't eat it. As mentioned, rabbitfish in general will most likely be the best herbivore for any serious outbreaks (besides manual removal).
Sorry, not trying to argue, just pointing out the reality and my experience (along with many others) dealing with valonia.
JojosReef
Member
I don't think you are being argumentative. I think we think the same thing. My understanding is that bubbles get BIG before producing gametes, so unlikely to be a scenario most reefers encounter. I should check up on that, though, because it's been a couple years. In any case, I'm just being pedantic
I tried emerald crabs but out of the 6 I bought. I’ve only seen one eat bubble algae and my tank was full of it until I did manual removal
I think manual removal is only realistic on smaller tanks. I tried on my 200g and it was a stalemate at best. There are just too many nooks and crannys where you can't get to. Fast forward to now and 5 tangs later and I've learned to live with it. They seem to keep most of it at bay. Now I only see it in the tightest of places. Occasionally I'll knock them off into the water column where the tangs will eat them. On a separate note, a while ago i had a small 20g with zoas in it. I had valonia and for $hits and giggles I tried vibrant. I was curious about all the fuss. Sure enough it killed off the valonia and zoas were fine. That's as far as I got. Wouldn't dare try it on my main display.
Elvismacalinao
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I don't think you are being argumentative. I think we think the same thing. My understanding is that bubbles get BIG before producing gametes, so unlikely to be a scenario most reefers encounter. I should check up on that, though, because it's been a couple years. In any case, I'm just being pedantic
Yeah I’m not sure if size or age (among other factors) is what moves them into asexual reproduction, something I’ll have check into as well. What I didn’t mention and the reason for my response was the common myth that if you puncture or burst the bubbles they would release spores and cause more to grow. What those people who perpetuated that myth failed to realize is the fact that herbivores who eat it also puncture or burst the bubbles, so logic would dictate that by consuming the algae they would cause more of it to grow/reproduce, but somehow were able to safely remove/consume the algae without causing it explode in growth? But that’s the thing about reefing myths, once they get legs, they take off.
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I have a foxface rabbit fish that isnt eating my bubble algae that I can see. Maybe as others have suggested a 1 spot or scribbled rabbit fish may work better.
DETANE
GOD is good all the time.
At the wholesalers I worked at we would take the pieces out and remove them manually. As a preventative measure we had emerald crabs , but it was a hit and miss
