So I've been battling an outbreak of bubble algae for quite some time now, and have tried all of the natural methods of removal (manual, emeralds). Unfortunately, my tank is too small for me to introduce some of the more aggressive bubble algae eating fish. I'm trying to weigh my options at this point. Tank has been setup since Nov 2013.
My rockwork is built with rods going through it and it is pretty well attached, so dismantling it one piece at a time will be difficult. I have very few corals that remain attached to the rockwork. I have 3 fish (2 anemones and a diamond goby), a cleaner shrimp and a handful of zoas in the tank currently. Most are on frag plugs, as I didn't want them to be overrun by bubble algae.
Options:
1. Get rid of LR altogether, add fresh LR
2. Get rid of LR and sand, add fresh LR and sand
3. Cook LR and reintroduce back into the tank
4. Cook LR and reintroduce back into the tank, replace sand.
I'd love to hear inputs on other options as well as the option you would recommend. I want to get to the root of the problem, which I believe was several things. Obviously, phosphates are likely the culprit along with BA getting introduced to the tank at some point. Any inputs would be welcomed, as I really don't look forward to doing anything with my tank these days, as it seems any time I've put into it over the past year + has been a waste of time.
Travis
My rockwork is built with rods going through it and it is pretty well attached, so dismantling it one piece at a time will be difficult. I have very few corals that remain attached to the rockwork. I have 3 fish (2 anemones and a diamond goby), a cleaner shrimp and a handful of zoas in the tank currently. Most are on frag plugs, as I didn't want them to be overrun by bubble algae.
Options:
1. Get rid of LR altogether, add fresh LR
2. Get rid of LR and sand, add fresh LR and sand
3. Cook LR and reintroduce back into the tank
4. Cook LR and reintroduce back into the tank, replace sand.
I'd love to hear inputs on other options as well as the option you would recommend. I want to get to the root of the problem, which I believe was several things. Obviously, phosphates are likely the culprit along with BA getting introduced to the tank at some point. Any inputs would be welcomed, as I really don't look forward to doing anything with my tank these days, as it seems any time I've put into it over the past year + has been a waste of time.
Travis