So what's the issue with bubble algae

onecoder

onecoder

New member
Other than not liking how it looks what is the issue with bubble algae. I purchased a blue and purple mushroom rock from the LFS and did not notice the bubble on it under the shrooms until I put it in my tank.

It is still on the rock from the LFS and has not spread. I am thinking that I will get a siphon or turkey baster and snip the bubble off and suck it up at the same time.

But if I leave it what is the down side?
 
I understand that but will it kill anything or hurt corals as I add them. I plan to clean it up before adding livestock but I want to understand what the issue is other than people not liking how it looks.
 
Bubble algae isn't really a problem unless they get out of control. Unfortunately it is easy for it to get out of control because they reproduce asexually. Each bubble is full of spores that will allow a single bubble to repopulate the aquarium. The issue is that they can compete with corals for space. I assume they could also compete for some nutrients or other elements like iodide and iron, but I don't think it'd really be all that much of an issue. So, because of their ability to spread so easily many aquarist decide to just take them out all together.
Personally I think they look cool, and if they aren't hurting anything I wouldn't worry about it.
 
heres'a tank over-run...courtesy of a club member who visited a hotel:

IMG_1496.jpg

IMG_1493.jpg

IMG_1494-1.jpg

IMG_1492.jpg

IMG_1495.jpg


As for removal:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcj/feature/index.php
 
I was looking at this and it is not bubble alge that I have. I will try to get a pic tomorrow when the lights are back on.
 
Honestly, if you have bubble algae multiplying like crazy, then removing even all of them won't help you, because you have a system that has excessive nutrients that feeds the algae. With one type of alga gone, another will take its place. And quite frankly, bubble algae is the slowest of nuisance algae, IMO/E.
 
Sorry, I disagree. I have bubbles in hard to reach places in my 120g that can spread rapidly.
I also have no hair algae but I do seem to have a little short brownish turf.
I have 1 ppm NO3 per salifert and unreadable PO4, so less than .05. I run gac, gfo and dose vodka, vinegar and feed a lot.
I have good growth and color with my sps.
I can still grow bubbles although they do grow slowly.

They will soon be gone though with new rock in a new 180g.
 
SkyPapa said:
Sorry, I disagree. .
Click to expand...

Algae grows from nutrients. Not sure what you are disagreeing about. Bubble, hair, red, brown, green.... you'll get different types depending on your tank conditions and inhabitants.
 
SDguy said:
...because you have a system that has excessive nutrients , QUOTE]

That is what you said.
I don't think have excessive nutrients based on my tests.
Do you think I do?
PO4 may be a little high but I would not say excessive.
I obviously have enough nutrients to grow some algae though.
Do you think any system should be so ULN that you have no algae what so ever?
Click to expand...
 
I think if you have enough nutrients to grow algae, you have excessive nutrients; ULN systems not withstanding. Coral reefs are nutrient deserts.

My tank grows algae...I have to clean the glass once a week, and I have the occasional bubble algae here and there. Certainly not a ULN system.... my tricolor acros can attest to that :D

I wasn't accusing you of having a "dirty tank"... I was merely pointing out that it you have bubble algae growing out of control, you must have something feeding it.
 
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