k&b

[k&b]

We are having a problem with bubble algae. I removed the rock with the majority - 85/90% and would like to remove the algae and put the rock back in my tank. Whenever we touch them they are popping, will it be safe to put back in my tank or will there be thousands of bubble algae. Right now we have it in some water from my tank, when we finish removing or popping the algae can we rinse it off with RO water? and then put back in the tank?

[demonclownfish]

no, it would most likely still be on the rock i think.

[cephalotus]

Boil the rock rappidly for half an hour rinse and reuse.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

As long as the bubbles are not overrunning the tank I wouldn't be too concerned. Some algae is good for a reef tank. Additionally, if its on one rock its on more, and short of killing all life on your rocks you won't get rid of it. Control, if its out of hand, is the best option (IMO). Manual removal is fine... been doing it for years. Use fine tip forceps to gently remove individual bubbles, and be sure to capture and remove all of the bubbles. Undoubtedly some will pop, while not ideal, it will be fine.

Equally important is reducing the nutrients that are feeding the algae growth (e.g., feed less and/or increase water changes).



HTH,
Tom

[MizTanks]

Here's what I did-while doing a WC I used a piece of airline tubing to remove the water while at the same time sucking up the algae. I stop all flow of course.

[ReeferMike]

i use an exacto knife, or a hook-blade carpet knife to get under it and ginsu it off the rock. some still break open but the majority just pops off that way. once its loose i syphon as much as i can out through a filter sock and then pour the water back in... or just do my chef tony routine right before a wc.

[iyachtuxivm]

Here's what I did-while doing a WC I used a piece of airline tubing to remove the water while at the same time sucking up the algae. I stop all flow of course.

Yea +1 on that!