In this article, learn about what is the Bubble Algae and the easiest ways to remove them from your marine fish tank.
The Bubble Algae, as the famous Ventricaria ventricosa is also known, is found in mangrove roots and attached to live rocks in marine fish tanks.
This type of algae can become a nuisance in tanks with coral reefs, where it tends to spread very quickly.
In this article, you will find out what Bubble Algae are and also how you can remove this type of harmful algae from the marine fish tank in your home.
What are the Bubble Algae?
The Bubble Algae are some species of algae that can be found in tropical and subtropical oceans all over the world. This type of algae has tubular or rounded bladders that vary in size, reaching the diameter of small peas or even getting larger than them.
Each algae is a single cell, making this species one of the largest single-celled organisms recorded on the planet, with some reaching up to five centimeters in diameter. Algae have anchoring structures called hold-fasts, and bubbles, or bladders, are spore-bearing vesicles that produce more algae when they are corrupted.
There is a wide variety of Bubble Algae, but the most common in marine fish tankks is Ventricaria ventricosa.
But What Is the Problem With the Bubble Algae?
At first, Bubble Algae may seem harmless and even attractive in your marine tank. Since those green balloons are green and shiny, you might consider leaving them alone. In a balanced system where dissolved nutrients are properly controlled, a few bubbles growing on a live rock or another can add an unusual flair to your display.
However, if tank conditions allow for explosive growth, the Bubble Algae can dominate the entire environment. If this happens, rocks, corals and any other available hard surfaces can quickly become covered by them.
If one or more bubbles break free from the attachment site, they can clog filters, aerators and cause countless other problems for the tank.
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How does Bubble Algae get into my fish tank?
Bubble Algae can enter in your tank as a few small spores undetected through live rocks.
For this reason, it’s always interesting to quarantine live rocks, just as you would an invertebrate or fish. Likewise, when adding corals, inspect them very closely as Bubble Algae are known to hitch a ride on them as well.
So, before adding any live rocks to the tank, watch very carefully and remove any vesicles you find around them.
How Do I Remove Bubble Algae From My Fish Tank?
Although this algae type in your marine tank won’t harm your fish, it’s still worth trying to remove it, as your tank can end up looking pretty ugly.
There are several methods to remove Bubble Algae. Below, check out the main ones:
1. Manual Removal
In many cases, when you find out early that your tank has Bubble Algae, manual removal may be the best alternative. To do this, you must remove the entire organism, including the anchoring structures, otherwise the algae will simply grow back.
A small, sharp screwdriver for scraping rocks is the best tool for this job. Hold the bubble gently towards the base and gently pull it out, twisting it as you do so, so you release the algae from the rock.
When removing the bubbles, be very careful not to pop any of them. The bubbles contain spores that will turn into more algae if they escape into the saltwater. The best way to prevent this from happening is to use a siphon to suck out the algae during the manual removal process.
You must remove the bubbles before they get too big. Otherwise, the algae can rupture, releasing its spore load into the water before you have a chance to remove it.
Any rocks that are coated with too much Bubble algae should be removed from the tank and cleaned in a separate bucket of saltwater. This type of algae can flourish even in low light, so be sure to check under rocks to ensure there is no algae growing out of sight.
2. Nutrients Decrease
You can control Bubble Algae by decreasing the amount of nutrients it needs to grow and thrive.
Some forms of macro algae that are ideal for marine tanks require the same nutrients as the Bubble Algae. Therefore, adding some type of macroalgae such as Caulerpa or Chaetomorpha can work well in controlling bubble algae outbreaks. This type of algae forms a crust on the tank surfaces, preventing Bubble Algae from colonizing the area.
3. Invertebrates
There are many marine invertebrates that help in controlling bubble algae in the fish tank.
The Turbo Snail, a small saltwater snail, can be quite helpful in preventing algae from establishing footholds, but it won’t do much for an existing infestation.
The Emerald Crab and some types of sea urchins will devour Bubble Algae. However, these creatures also eat expensive invertebrates such as corals. Be aware that this species of crab is not just herbivorous, so you may find that they will make a meal consisting of invertebrates and even small fish.
Sea slugs are voracious and exclusive consumers of bubble algae. But unfortunately, once they have reproduced enough to eat all the algae in the tank, they can end up starving to death, fouling the tank water.
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Overall, all these bubble algae eaters can tear them apart, releasing even more spores into the tank and adding to the problem you already have.
4. Add Some Fish Algae Eaters
There are some species of fish that love to eat bubble algae.
Many species of blennies spend hours and hours vacuuming algae off live rocks. Tangs and Angelfish, for example, also love to feed on this type of algae, and they can be very effective at keeping control of nuisance growth in your marine tank.
The only problem is that most of these fish require a lot of space in the tank to live. Also, all algae eaters will almost certainly need more in their diet than just that to survive, as they eat most algae quickly.
If your marine tank has too much space, take the opportunity to add these species of fish and get rid of Bubble Algae once and for all.
Conclusion
The Bubble Algae spread very easily in any type of tank that has conditions for them to thrive. At first, algae may seem attractive, but due to their habit of spreading spores, most hobbysts decide to remove them before they become pests.
There are some species of invertebrates and marine fish that eat bubble algae, as well as types of algae that compete for the same nutrients and can help keep the tank in check.
Finally, always quarantine any live rocks before adding them to the tank. Manually remove any algae you see growing on your live rocks.
