Help! My reef tank is overrun with bubble algae!

[gabrieljoda]

(What brand/chemical treatment can I use to get rid of a bubble algae infestation, since natural methods have been unsuccessful?)

I've been battling a bubble algae infestation in my tank for a year now, and I haven't been able to get rid of it. I've tried introducing emerald crabs, but they didn't help. Manual removal was also unsuccessful since the algae has spread to hard-to-reach crevices in my tank. During my last removal attempt, I accidentally broke some of my SPS corals and almost killed my fish while doing a large water change. I've realized that natural methods won't work, and I need advice on which chemical treatments to use. I've been reading forums with mixed reviews, especially about Vibrant. Can anyone recommend a brand that has worked for them?

Some tank info:
size:
- 40 gallons (not including filters)

filters:
- (HF-M Hang-On-Back Multi Filter with Protein Skimmer) (Skimmer doesn't work & I have Chaeto in it)
- (Fluval C3 Power Filter, Fish Tank Filter for Aquariums up to 50 Gal.) (run it with carbon and GFO)

dosing:
- AB+
- Iodine
- Alkalinity
- Calcium

 

[gabrieljoda]

UPDATE:
I think the course of action goes as follows:
1) I will take away as much bubble algae as I can with my hands.
2) start dosing 2ml of ALGAEFIX by API for 2 weeks (1 dose every 3 days).
4) If all is going well I will bump up the dosage to 4ml (1 dose every 3 days).
5) once completed I will do a 30% water change and add emerald crabs.

I also will be regularly:
- taking photos for documentation for future reefers.
- testing water parameters using Hanna instruments.
- removing bubble algae with my hands and the metal straw method.
- performing weekly 10% water changes.
- cleaning powerheads that tend to attract bubble algae.
- checking this thread for more advice!

Some questions:
1) should I remove my carbon?
2) should I remove my cheato?
3) does the amount I am dosing sound ok?
4) after everything has hopefully settled, how many Emerald crabs should I have?
5) If I need to remove cheato, can I add it back in the refugium after I am done dosing?

Why I chose this route:
I have always preferred the "natural way out" when dealing with a reef tank issue, but my bubble algae infestation has gone too far. It has become more than just an eye burden, as it poses a danger to my reef. It has gone over coral, harming them in the process and also It keeps getting into my filters which makes them not work well.

Lastly, I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has given me advice!

 

[Cell]

Carbon is ok, remove the Chaeto, follow the directions on the product label.

 

[vtecintegra]

Just have patience. I saw no change the first couple of weeks. Then I noticed it disappearing of the power heads. It took a few more weeks before the rock was looking good again.

 

[Kittypowpow]

My chaeto grows using sunlight, because I have a window directly behind my tank. I have always wondered wether or not a light would help, bc it has been just fine growing with the sunlight. I’d say I have half a basketball size if chaeto right now.

I do agree on the skimmer. I wish mine would work properly, but after a month the tubes get filled with algae. Then the filter becomes unreliable with the skimmer on. This is because the filter for some reason can’t prime itself, making it completely stop working if something goes wrong. I do try and clean it which fixes the issue, but that requires taking the whole HOB filter out.

hmmmmm. I wonder if the sunlight is not only making your chaeto happy, but maybe also encouraging growth inside the tank?

 

[temple2101]

Any update on how the Algaefix treatment went?

 

[90's reefer]

Carbon is ok, remove the Chaeto, follow the directions on the product label.

Well said. I have used it many times with zero issues over the years.
Currently removed as much as I could from my 45 and now 5 weeks later not much to see.
I am using it to kill red turf algae. This stuff is very hard to remove and quicky covers everything.
After 5 weeks it starting to receed.
No issues with peppermint shrimp and my harlequin. Snails ok, corals lps sps ok.
I would not do a water change whem stopping just let it go away on its own.