Bubble Algae

[herbbie]

I'm a pretty new reefer, so please bear with me if I ask dumb questions, but can someone fill me in on bubble algae? I'm talking about the big round green bubbles, not the grape bubbles you see on calurpa. I have a couple of them forming in my tank. I've heard they are a nusance, and I've also heard that if you don't have one kind of algae, you end up with another. Something about balance. Also, if I didn't want the bubble algae to get out of hand, is there something that will eat it, or counterbalance it? Thanks for your widsdom.

 

[dburr]

Emerald crabs will eat the small ones.
I have picked out some by hand, just be careful not to pop them or you will end up with a bunch. They feel pretty hard to the touch, just be careful.
HTH

 

[mr hanky]

its called velonia aka bubble algea. please dont pop any while u remove them(yes you should get them out as fast as possible) u can also get a "desjardines (sp?) sailfin tang". they like the stuff. i can pull it off in chunks of 5-20 bubbles at a time. bubbles the size of big gumballs everyonce in awhile. hth there are other fish if u dont want to buy that tang it can be price for a good sized one. robby

 

[nm reef]

If care is not taken bubble algae(valonia) can become a true pest.....I've been battleing the stuff for a while now....at one point it was everywhere...but with manually removal and a few new emerald crabs I am gaining control. Below is a link with good info...best of luck.
bubble algae(valonia)