my controversial thoughts on bubble algae

[krishj39]

Hey Guys, I posted this in another thread, but didn't get much of a response so I thought I'd try devoting a thread to it. Basically, I've long been skeptical of much of the theories and practices pertaining to bubble algae. For one, emerald crabs are a common recommendation to solve a bubble algae outbreak. However, we are also told not to pop the bubbles in the tank as it releases "spores" into the tank and can cause an outbreak. But, emeralds pop the bubbles and release the "spores" into the water. IMO, adding an emerald is no different than just going in and popping the bubbles yourself. Sure, the emerald eats the popped bubble, but the "spores" spread through the tank. There is no difference than if you did that yourself. Plus, emeralds won't always eat it, I know mine never did. IME, they eat it when they are first added, when they are starving, but once they have been well fed and have their choice of foods (such as left over fish food), bubble algae is no longer on their menu.
Also, I have always been skeptical that popping bubbles releases spores into the tank. I am not a horticuluralist or a marine biologist, but from what I understand about plants and algae, they just don't work like that. Is there any proof that the insides contain these spores? To my knowledge, fungus is the only thing that even HAS spores, but that's another issue. I have ALWAYS just popped the few bubble algae I have had in my tank, and I have yet to have an epidemic. I think the idea that popping the bubbles in your tank causes an epidemic of them in your tank is nothing more than an urban legend. IMHO, someone popping a bubble of algae and then having an epidemic of bubble algae is not proof that popping that bubble had anything to do with it. Yet, this is the most scientific of an explanation I have heard in support of this belief to date. Anyway, maybe I'm wrong, someone give me some real evidence and I'll change my mind.
Kris

 

[marvida]

I can't really answer your Q as to whether or not the bubbles contain spores but I can tell you what I understand about emeralds. It's true that the crab breaks the bubbles the difference is that the crab will follow up & eat the algae that is allegedly produced after this happens.

 

[naturelover]

just a thought, if it has spores (i don't know if it does or not) then it makes sense to pop many and you get a those become as newone (male + female spores-->baby ones) just like corals does.

 

[bang guy]

I'm not quite sure either but it has been explained to me that they can and do reproduce by breaking open. The difference as I was told is that only the larger mature bubbles can actually do this. Some species are smaller so I guess relative size determines if it's a mature bubble.
I have a Foxface that eats them and they tiny ones often show up in the refugium so they had to get there some how.
I think Emeralds eat the smaller ones so it should be OK to pop them if you have something to eat the tiny bubbles.
I definately had an outbreak in the refugium when the Foxface finally ate this one so I believe the spore theory. I don't know if they are actual spores or just plant cells that can grow once they settle.

 

[krishj39]

Still dunno what the truth is but these explanations sound good. Just for people reading who might be looking for an excuse to cut a corner, I want to be sure I don't encourage anyone to do something risky. The smartest thing to do is to follow the mainstream of thought here. Regardless of what I think, it is always best to play it safe. So, I still recommend taking the bubbles off without popping them, or taking the rock they are on out of the tank before you pop them, or sucking the insides out with a syringe. As I've already admitted, I don't do any of those things, but "do as I say, not as I do." I'll probably end up paying for not following the majority.
Anyone else have any thoughts on this topic?

 

[iechy]

Maybe the emeralds also feed on the spores before they become full grown bubble algae bubbles. Maybe that the icing on the bubble algae oreo for them. it could be that they just eat the bubble to get to the spores. I think I'll do a study on this and have it published.

 

[foulbrew]

Emeralds have enough trouble catching the bubble algae, no way could one catch a spore.

 

[sammystingray]

It's pretty well documented that they do contain thousands and thousands of spores....this is something I would call a known scientific fact. The bubbles walls weaken and thin as they grow, and when mature, the walls become so weak they eventually pop and release the spores on their own. I've only seen bubble algae of any type take over a tank maybe twice in my ten years.....and just recently with the guy with 11 emeralds, but he did not produce a photo to prove it. I think I've always had a few bubbles, and sometimes emeralds, and they never went nuts......it can happen though. Usually emeralds will go after new ones instead of large bubbles IME.

 

[luptinpitman]

Well, speaking from experience for the last year, emerald crabs do NOTHING to help the problem, and neither does trying to pick them off of the reef during cleaning.
Any ideas? 200 gallon tank, 40% choked in green bubble algae.

 

[slofish]

Maybe its just a matter of when the bubbles are popped. as sammy said, they bubble walls grow and pop when the spores are mature. If they are popped prematurely, the spores never develop fully and in turn are not able to "spout a new plant". Maybe the epidemics occur when bubbles are allowed to mature and then are pinched by the emeralds or ourselves, releasing spores.

 

[bang guy]

The ultimate Bubble Algae eliminator:

 

[beth]

I do have bubble algae, but never had have had an overwhelming outbreak. I did have a large one the size pictured in Bang's pic, it poped, and still never had a problem. I also had an emerald, and, as stated here, never saw him taking care of this at all.

 

[sammystingray]

Bang Guy, my foxface won't touch it, but he does love botryocladia....thank god.
You guys know, I am not even 100% sure my emeralds were even eating the smaller ones....just saw them messing with them a few times. Emerald crabs don't seem to be real effective very often.