Red bubble algae

Discussion in 'Algae' started by theoak, Jun 30, 2011.

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  1. theoak

    theoak Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Hi all, my 20 gallon tank is 4 months old and am going through the diatom stage, however I have noticed red bubble algae growing on some coraline covered rock, I have three fish and feed once a day, levels are adequate but I will test and re post. Should I be looking to rid the bubble algae ASAP?

    Cheers....
     
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  3. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Is this true bubble algae or cyano? Some refer to cyano as bubble algae because of air bubbles that get trapped in the mat; true bubble algae looks like miniature grapes.

    Either way, yes you want to remove it, but if it's the true bubble algae be careful not to rupture it or it will spread spores.
     
  4. theoak

    theoak Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    It couldn't look more like grapes! How do I got about removing it?
     
  5. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    Manually remove it. If you can suck it up with a turkey baster than its cyano bacteria. If you can not its bubble algae and the cause and cure are going to be the same.

    Your test results will be unreliable until you remove the algae/bacteria and permit the excess nutrients to spike and appear on your results.

    Things to consider is excess DOC (dissolved organic compounds) solved via good skimming. Excess NO3 (Nitrates), over feeding, population, poor maintenance. Increase water changes (test make up water before and after you add salt) use ro/di. Poor water flow can give rise to CO2 build up (Carbon Dioxide) which feeds the nuisance. At 4 months old I do not think lighting is a problem (old bulbs deteriorate after 9-12 months) PO4 (Phosphates) is another contributor. More than likely after checking these parameters, removing the nuicense, good maintenance, RO/DI water changes your problem will be resolved.
     
  6. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    I think the safest way is to vacuum it out. Get a hose (like one that comes with a gravel-vac) that's large enough to cover each bubble, start your siphon, then place the end over a bubble a gently pry it loose. That way if it does rupture, you'll still catch the spores.
     
  7. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    I agree with this method for removing Bubble Algae, but in a 20 gallon tank he would not have much time before he removed too much water. Attempting to filter the spores and returning the water to the sump is risky. I would suggest removing them manually and if they pop, they pop. Get the parameters in check and the spores will not grow.
     
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  9. theoak

    theoak Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Thanks for the info, I Do pWC weekly using RO water.....maybe I should half the food I give once a day....?

    R
     
  10. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    Remove it manually and test the water the following day and see what spikes. This will help you determine what to do next. Post your test results and we can help you out with a more pointed response.

    Test the water and post the results, remove the algae and/or bacteria and test again in several hours and post the results and again the following day.

    Make sure you test the make-up water, its not common but bad salt mixes do happen.
     
  11. ReefPlayground

    ReefPlayground 3reef Sponsor

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    If it is red bubble algae, it can be a true nightmare. Physically remove it as best you can and then cut its nutrient source (ie; good protein skimmer and quality filtration media)
     
  12. theoak

    theoak Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Hi all,

    I did a 40% water change and removed the RB algae by scrubbing it off in separate salt walter, I tried to siphon but they were stuck well. It didn't look too bad as it was just on one bit of LR.

    Readings:

    PH-8.0
    Amm-between 0 & 0.25 ppm
    Nitrate-20ppm
    Nitrite-0 ppm
    Phos- 0.25 ppm
    Sal- 1.024 SG

    I will take readings again tomorrow and post.

    Horrible things, they look like hemorrhoids of the marine world! It made me laugh anyway!!!

    Thanks again.

    R