Strange Algae (I think)

Fazulka · 02/09/2010, 03:01 PM

For a while I fell really behind on tank maintenance, and my tank got over run with algae. Not just hair algae but all kinds. We have been working to get the tank looking good again (don't worry, nothing died). I wanted to share one interesting growth with everyone and see if anyone knows what it is.

It is a purpleish / blueish bubble with orange spots that is not quite opaque. There does not appear to be anything inside, the inside is translucent. The largest one in the photo is about 1/4th of an inch across and there don't seem to be any that are much bigger.

BTW, that algae that looks like ferns if the worst to get rid of. You can harvest by hand, but the roots go into the rocks.

Chiefsurfer · 02/09/2010, 03:13 PM

thats red bubble algae. Searching for red bubble, you might be able to get some example pics here. They can look CRAZY.

Remove these by hand-picking, as to avoid bursting. It bursts, you are in trouble. Not HORRIBLE, but definitely will spread it.

For the fern stuff(not sure if this would work) try injecting it with boiling vinegar. It seems to be safe, and kill just about everything else unwanted.

bertoni · 02/09/2010, 06:25 PM

I agree that bubble algae can spread, but that one's interesting enough that I'd take a chance and leave it. I've been able to keep bubble algae under control with nutrient control, though.

02/09/2010, 03:01 PM	#1
Fazulka Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Greater Boston Posts: 115	Strange Algae (I think) For a while I fell really behind on tank maintenance, and my tank got over run with algae. Not just hair algae but all kinds. We have been working to get the tank looking good again (don't worry, nothing died). I wanted to share one interesting growth with everyone and see if anyone knows what it is. It is a purpleish / blueish bubble with orange spots that is not quite opaque. There does not appear to be anything inside, the inside is translucent. The largest one in the photo is about 1/4th of an inch across and there don't seem to be any that are much bigger. BTW, that algae that looks like ferns if the worst to get rid of. You can harvest by hand, but the roots go into the rocks.

02/09/2010, 03:13 PM	#2
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	thats red bubble algae. Searching for red bubble, you might be able to get some example pics here. They can look CRAZY. Remove these by hand-picking, as to avoid bursting. It bursts, you are in trouble. Not HORRIBLE, but definitely will spread it. For the fern stuff(not sure if this would work) try injecting it with boiling vinegar. It seems to be safe, and kill just about everything else unwanted. __________________ Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank

02/09/2010, 06:25 PM	#3
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I agree that bubble algae can spread, but that one's interesting enough that I'd take a chance and leave it. I've been able to keep bubble algae under control with nutrient control, though. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni