Bubble Algea???

[lebloom]

I just read on someone thread about Bubble Algea. Just what is this and what causes it? Is it really bad? I have something in my tank that looks like little bubbles but I'm reading about 1" size. The stuff I have doesn't last and its not thick.

 

[VoodooChild]

Bubble algae, or valonia I believe it's also called, is just a form of macro-algae. It's nothing to be worried about. It's generally brought about by other standard algae growth factors, like nitrates or phosphorus. If it's dying off quickly in your tank it just means that there aren't enough nutrients to sustain it. It starts off small and I've seen some bubbles get pretty large. To remove them just gently shake them and wiggle them until they can be taken off whole. Popping them only means that you're letting alot of little spores all over your aquarium, which can become more bubbles. Like I said earlier though, nothing to worry about. I've also heard that mythrax crabs will take care of them. Mine prefers hair algae, but I'm sure they'll take bubbles too.

 

[karlas]

heres a decent pic of what bubble alge looks like it can be many different sizes

bubble alge

i had a good size emerald crab that tore that stuff up he loved it. i would watch him clean a spot off the rock several inches across. but he eventually died so i got another one. this ones kind of small and i havent been able to tell if he is eating it or not. im thinking about getting another big one.