valonia algae

[missyshrout]

:help:My husband and I finally found a site that has many pictures of this algae which I thought was just green bubble algae. But it also has a form that is white and soft.

As we understand, we need to take the rock out and pretty much dig the algae out and then put it back in the tank.

Should I call the fish store where I bought the 16 lbs of LR and tell them they have a problem. I am just a little :devil: because aren't they supposed to know what these things look like. The guy was so darn giddy that I bought so much LR at one time that he chose not to tell me the spongy things on the bottom were not good things.

Anyway, kind of wanted to vent but also want to make sure that we aren't going to be killing any kind of reef animal by getting rid of the white ones.

Thanks,

Newbie Melissa

[AngieW]

Just posting to say bummer :( my local LFS is pretty well worthless as well. And to ask if you'd share the link to the site you found? I'm also new at this and I'm collecting references!

Sorry I can't help with your question but good luck, I know how overwhelming it is to try to learn everything and do it right!

[Reefscape]

Hey Mellissa..

It would prolly be a piontless exercise speaking to you LFS..all they were interested in is selling you the rock....Yes, just take it out of the tank and srub or pull it off the rock...if you keep it resting in a good bowl or bucket of saltwater, it will be fine..

The sponges that they refered to will grown in your own aquarium, and come and go depending on the nutrients available to them...

Niko

[Germanman]

to add what niko said, which is super advice, if it comes back after the tank establishes an emerald crab is a good way to get rid of it as well.

[johansonp]

Melissa, I once rehabilitated a tank that had a very bad Valonia problem. I pulled out the rock, scrubbed it clean, and put it back in the tank. That's a very good way to begin.

After a while you will most likely see it begin to return. As Germanman has said, emerald crabs can help control the population. I used them, as well as a Foxface to help me out a little.

The most effective thing I did was make a siphon tube out of 3/8 inch acrylic tube. I cut the end on a 45 degree bevel and sharpened it. I did weekly water changes and carefully went around the tank dislodging and sucking out the little green balls. I found that I could place the sharpened tip down at the base of the bubble, and with a twisting motion I could pop it loose. If I accidentally broke one open the spores were immediately pulled out by the siphon hose.

It took about a month, but I did finally get ahead of the algae. I use that tool now every time I do a water change, whether it's on my tank or someone elses.

The other aspect of algae control, including Valonia, is trying to starve it out of existence. Skimming and a phosphate removal media will help in that regard.

And I'm with Niko...I would save my breath down at the LFS.

I hope this helps.

Paul