Bubble Algae

[poknsnok]

we are talking about valonia...aka bubble algae..

 

[stevemc]

Yes, but is Warnberg? I have had Valonia and still do, but it never got out of hand. I have maybe 5 - 1/2" silver bubbles. They dont multiply very fast, this tank has been up for a while and I put them in intentionally with a colony of zoas. The originals are gone, but the few that are here have popped up in the last year, on different rocks. I never heard of anyone saying it was bad. Is it and should I take it out? Seems pretty benign. I really dont mess with anything in the tank, but it seems easy to take them out. In the wild they arent covering much either, just one or 2 here and there.

 

[poknsnok]

Im pretty sure he is.. the stuff isnt as unhealthy as it is unsightly... it can get out of control and crowd out zoos and other desirable growth... I try and keep it out of my tank simply because of the appearance if it..

 

[Warnberg]

I actually am talking about Caulerpa nummularia (possibly C. peltata) - Suction cup Caulerpa is exactly what it looks like. Look at this http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-09/reefslides/index.php let it get to about the 4th or 5th slide... that is the stuff, I was told it was also known as bubble algae.

Now I do have some Valonia sp. - bubble algae but it is not the issue.

Sorry for the confusion.

 

[stevemc]

That could be it, also grape caulerpa has a stage that looks like that. You should be able to just pull it from the rocks. If you use a phosphate remover, that should just about stop it growing. Make sure you dont have any nitrates or nitrites too. Test for anything that could cause plants to grow. If there is no food, it will not grow. They also dont really like high alk and high pH, but if everything else is there, it may not work as well. I looked in your photo gallery and it sure looks like either the suction cup caulerpa or grape caulerpa. Does it always stay like that? If so it probably is the suction cup caulerpa. Try pulling it off the rocks though.

 

[Warnberg]

stevemc, it does pull off. I pulled about two handfulls off last night. Anyone want this stuff for a refugium? The trick is going to be getting it out of some of the holes in the rock. I wonder if a foxface would like this stuff?

 

[moongoddesss007]

i just bought a slug looking thing from finz called a sea hare and in one day it has cleaned to of my larger rocks completely of hair and bubble algea

 

[NONNA58]

Dave,
My foxface eats any type of algae I put into the tank. It never lasts.
If you have macroalgae, , such as caulerpa, why are you trying to get rid of it?

 

[Warnberg]

Nonna58, it's just taking over after the crash. Net really trying to rid the tank of it just keep it under control. In some places it is choking out corals so it defiantly needs to be kept in check. I have been thinking about a foxface. Might be a nice addition to my tank.

Thanks

 

[NONNA58]

They say that some foxfaces pick on corals but mine never has. The guys that service my tank keep telling me that my fox has gotten to big for my tank and want me to find another home for him but I love him so much I won't do it.