Red Bubble Algae

[Markster]

I have had this problem for sometime. I has been growing in my sump at an alarming rate and coats the sump sides and pumps mainly. I have the refug light on for 10 hours at night opposite the tank lights. I do find some of this algae growing at the top of the back of the aquarium.

I tried to use Antired but not did not help. I use phosguard and change it out regularly. I have an emerald crab in the sump but he does not touch it.

Any other ideas or remedies?

[emilbus]

does it sort of look like a red ball. almost like a cotton ball but its all read? if so are these bad? i use to have a huge one growing in my fuge.

[Markster]

Yes, a red ball that is not larger not a thumbnail. When you pull at them with your finger they deflate and become mucously like as you are pulling them off rocks or equipment.

[JimD]

Syphon them out as best you can, do regular water changes, get your nutrient levels in check and it'll go away on its own. Also, put some other algae such as caulerpa or Chaetomorpha in your sump to out compete it.

[GaryP]

Don't break them in the tank unless you are siphoning it at the same time. When they break, they release spores into the tank that grow into new bubbles. I'll sometimes break them with the siphon tube so that the spores are sucked into my waste bucket when I'm doing a water change.

[Markster]

They are mostly in the sump where I do not siphon. I siphon the tank itself and pour the salt water mix back into the sump. Is there not a solution, such as antired, that works on this stuff?