Bubble Algae

Bubble algae is one type of nuisance algae that is easy to recognize.

They are green in color and can be round or oblong in shape. Some are just single bubbles while others form in groups looking like grapes.

There are actually many different types and all of them are bad for your tank.

The most common is a fluid filled, single ball that anchors itself to a rock or the substrate. It appears very shiny and can grow to over 2 inches if left alone.

Physical Control

Manual removal, properly done, is a good way to reduce the problem's ability to spread and affect other tank inhabitants.

This method should be used as a first line of defense.

The best tool for removal would be a very sharp knife. If removing from live rock be sure to cut as close to the rock as possible. If you don’t cut deep enough, there is a risk that the bubble will rupture, allowing many spores to escape and start growing all over your tank.

It’s also a good idea to have a siphon hose close to where you are cutting. It will suck out any spores or flesh that might otherwise end up becoming your next problem.

If you can remove the rock from your tank to work on it, that would be ideal.

Biological Control

There are few animals or fish that will reliably eat this algae.

My sally light-foot crab did a great job of eliminating this problem in my tank.

Other crabs have also been known to eat it. It's really hit or miss with crabs.

The few fish that have a taste for it are quite large, too big except for the largest of aquariums.

Urchins can make some progress against it. But when they are done with the bubble algae they may move on to eat your beautiful coralline algae.