labradorduck Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 I have been getting green bubble algae in my tank. I was able to pull out the live rock and gently brush it off, then hit the area with boiling wate. But it seems it never goes away. Is there an animal that eats it? My snails won't touch it. Thanks, Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 Two words: Emerald crabs. . . Dave- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroadodge Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 +1 for emeralds, also Marine TLC. Just pour the whole bottle in at once. I poured 2 bttls in my 72 gal at one time. In about a month i had NO bubbles. I ahve been told by many that you cant over dose the MARINE TLC. JMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NonSequitur Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 I had the same results with emerald crabs.. I was starting to get bubble algae, put in two emerald crabs and it was gone within a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsr Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 So are they hit or miss, or pretty much a sure bet? I am having that issue as well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labradorduck Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share Posted December 15, 2009 Thanks for the suggestion,I will pick some up next payday! BTW-does size matter? they are for a 55g. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rgwiz11 Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 I've always heard smaller the better. Yes, the larger ones will eat more, but they can get hostile when they get huge. Also, the little ones can get in between rocks better than the behemoths. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reybeast Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 I usually carve into the rock and cut the bubble off so that the bubble comes off intact. I know it looks ugly for a bit, but it gets grown over soon enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 Go the caferacermike route, and add 50 emeralds in Or, you could stick with just 1 or 2. I had 1 in my 75g, and it removed the all the bubble algae I had (I only had a few small patches). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 If you choose to do it yourself, get a turkey baster. Hold it under water and squeeze the bulb to expel all the air. With the baster pointed at the bubble puncture the bubble with a pin. As you squeeze the bubble suck the contents into the baster. Once done you can pull the bubble skin loose and dispose of it. Don't let the baster leak into the tank or you'll get more bubbles. Personally I prefer my emerald crabs. Once your bubbles are gone be sure to make sure they have something to eat. Mine will come out from the rocks and take pieces of seaweed from my hand, they're probably one of my tamest critters and I love to see em come charging at me waving their claws for a treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 So are they hit or miss, or pretty much a sure bet? I am having that issue as well? This is what I found: "The Emerald Crab (Mithrax sculptus) is a saltwater invertebrate that is often used as part of a clean up crew in marine fish tanks. They are popular because they help keep the tank clean and have been reported to eat bubble algae (Velonia sp.). Bubble algae can grow under even optimal water conditions and this crab is supposed to help keep the bubble algae population to a minimum. They are a pretty emerald color and stay on the small side, only reaching about 2 inches (5 cm) when fully grown. " More Info Emeral Crabs Dave- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisfowler99 Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 I've got a couple of emeralds that have attacked some bubble algae, but they still have more to go. I need to pull my powerhead and clean it off, though...I don't think the emeralds are going to get to that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroadodge Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 Chris, Seriously try the Marine SAT(TLC) it in a live bacteria that basically takes the place of what the bubble algae is growing from in the rock. It eats what the bubble algae is growing from therefore reducing them. Within 1 month with my old take being what i would say infested with them they were gone GONE!!!! i put 2 bottles in at one time.(72 gal bowfrnt) Make sure and get the one for saltwater Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 I didn't think that emerald crabs ate bubble algae. Does bubble algae hurt anything? I think its kind of cool looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labradorduck Posted December 16, 2009 Author Share Posted December 16, 2009 Chris, Seriously try the Marine SAT(TLC) it in a live bacteria that basically takes the place of what the bubble algae is growing from in the rock. It eats what the bubble algae is growing from therefore reducing them. Within 1 month with my old take being what i would say infested with them they were gone GONE!!!! i put 2 bottles in at one time.(72 gal bowfrnt) Make sure and get the one for saltwater Does it affect other "good" algae? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooric Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 I believe this is the product he is talking about. TLC Marine SAT - Hair Algae Remover for Reef & Saltwater Aquariums 1 Gallon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill B Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 I didn't think that emerald crabs ate bubble algae. Does bubble algae hurt anything? I think its kind of cool looking. I kinda like it too. The problem becomes when it happens to find a foothold amongst your zoas and palys. Then it will crowd the corals out. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barderer Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 (edited) If you are JUST noticing it, e.g. its only on one rock in one spot. I would make the executive decision and take that rock out. I have found early sacrifice goes a long way toward preventing a full outbreak. The crabs actually spread the spores all around and once they go away the problem will just resurface. Just like cancer you have to take out a lot of good tissue to get all of it. Edited December 16, 2009 by barderer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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