Bubble algae

[Aaarrrggg]

I’ve just spotted a single bubble of algae

Should I get an emerald crab or try and get it out myself? I know if it gets popped spores will go everywhere… but I’m not sure who’s more likely to pop it, me or the crab? Might it go away if I leave it alone?

Any advice most welcome!
Thanks!

 

[murfman]

It wont go away unless you find the cause of your phosphates and nitrates and erradicate them. Personally, I let the BA grow and if it becomes an eyesore, then I will remove it.

 

[bertoni]

The risk in popping the bubble alga is highly over-rated, in my experience. The spores are only viable when the alga is mature, and they won't be able to grow if the nutrients are kept under control. I'd just pull it out if I thought it was ugly.

 

[Pea-brain]

I had 1 bubble algae bubble come in on some chaeto I bought. I removed it by hand. Wasnt hard to do, and when I felt it it was very hard. I popped it over the sink and almost wished I did it in my tank. It was hard on the outside and cracked like a paintball. I bet it woulda been fun to culture some and then use a slingshot to shoot them at people.....heheheh

 

[Aaarrrggg]

Ah good, I'd thought they were more fragile. I'll have a go at getting it out myself... and seeing what I can do about the root cause. Thanks everyone!

 

[ionredline0260]

I found one on a frag from some one elses tank and popped it. Didn't know any better then but I haven't seen any aditional bubble's.