Not Your Typical Bubble Algae Question

[ellio]

I have a small patch of bubble algae that I have been keeping an eye on. The oldest and largest bubbles are turning from green to opaque to clear. Was just wondering what this means when they turn completly clear. It appears that they no longer contain spores. Is this the normal progression of bubble algae or could it mean that it will no longer continue to spread? Thanks

[starseed]

It means the bubble has popped and released its spores.

Expect more all over if your Phosphates or Nitrates are elevated.

Why did you "keep an eye on it" instead of pulling the rock out? Just curious.

[Tunguska]

Any bubble algae I've allowed to grow large just kept growing... some larger than a ping pong ball. I've never seen it go clear; I usually just pop it and I seem to have eradicated it (3 months without any sightings). NOTE: most people seem to think popping them helps in reproduction--I'm not claiming this as a cure.

It is possible that it has already released its spores, which means you may have lots of little bubbles soon! Sorry I can't help more than that. Let us know if/when you see new bubble algaes popping up.

[Maxxumless]

Originally posted by starseed
Expect more all over if your Phosphates or Nitrates are elevated.

Bubble algae does not require much to survive – low nutrients will not help combat it. Removal by hand (scrubbing out of tank) is the only real way to deal with it effectively. There are slower growing varieties, but when each matures (longer time) it will eventually spread across a tank (take months or even a year). Popping them does not necessarily help them spread either – the trick is doing it before they are mature which again varies slightly from each type. Get them when they are small by picking them off the rocks. Its almost impossible to get them all even when out of the tank because spoors will reenter the tank unless you cook your rock