Unfortunately it is not a myth that popping bubble algae will release spores. Mithrax crabs do pop the bubble algae, but they eat the new stuff so quickly that you don't notice. I used to think that you could pop the bubble algae without problems (I had always popped them without an outbreak), but when I saw the data on the release of spores when they are popped, I quickly decided that popping them was a bad idea. I have about 6 mithrax crabs in my tank and they are great for keeping everything nice and clean, as long as they have leftovers to eat they are content with leaving the fish alone.