Growth on Live rock question

marty

Member
I have something I have not yet been able to identify. I have looked at swf.com coral site, but have not yet found what I have (hard to look for something when you don't know the name of it). I think it is a polyp of some sort, but not sure.
It is green and round, almost looks like a bubble (you know, a bubble when you blow bubble gum). I only have one and it is on the top of my live rock. What is it? Do I need to do anything special for it?
Thanks!
 

downunder

Member
Sounds like bubble algae. I have a few spots of them on my LR. I haven't had a problem with them multiplying, but I have read on this site that others have had problems with it spreading. It apparently doensn't hurt to have them, and they are kinda interesting looking. Just don't burst them if you try to remove them. They carrying spores from within which will cause it to multiply... so I have read.
 

saltyrich

Active Member
Yes, yes, you have bubble algae my friend. And follow the previous advice, DON'T pop it or you'll send small spores throughout your tank. Check other threads on various ways to get rid of this stuff.
 

marty

Member
I just saw the other recent post about this. It definately sounds like this is what I have.
Thanks for the responses.
 

sterling007

Member
I had this stuff on some live rock. I pulled the rock out and picked it off. They just popped off and away they went!!
 

jonthefb

Active Member
yeah its kinda cool cause it looks like a green marble, but it can get to nuisance proportions if not controlled. tangs, and other algae eating fish wont touch the stuff, and some people say that emerald (mithrax) crabs will eat the stuff, but mine is retarded, and eats my live sand, and rocks. The best method of removal is to pick it off by hand, but dont burst the bubble :) because it will release the spores into your tank. Instead pick em off and put them in a bowl in your fridge and tell your significant other or kids they are grapes! (just kidding by the way) :)
good luck
jon
 
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