Bubble Algae, does it actually release spores?

[LARedstickreefer]

Hi all,

I know that I’ve read, many times, that popping bubble algae releases spores that spread all over. My tank is absolutely infested with this stuff and emerald crabs (try as they might) are no match.

I just wonder if it’s true (proven) that popping this stuff releases spores or if this is just something that is assumed because it sounds reasonable. I’m at the point where I’m going to get some tongs and just start ripping it all out of the rocks.

My thoughts are that it needs to mature to some degree before it can release spores and that I should be able to go to town in the smaller stuff.

-Matt

 

[Lavey29]

I have small amounts here and there that I manually remove and I'm sure some bubbles get popped but I have not seen an infestation start because of it. I usually wait until the bubbles are like almost the size of a pea because they are easy to remove in clumps then.

 

[Orito]

what's the diference if it does release? if you are already infested it's releasing a lot of spores anyway...
scrape of as many as you can, I would do it with a WC so you can suck the remainings

 

[Tamberav]

Hi all,

I know that I’ve read, many times, that popping bubble algae releases spores that spread all over. My tank is absolutely infested with this stuff and emerald crabs (try as they might) are no match.

I just wonder if it’s true (proven) that popping this stuff releases spores or if this is just something that is assumed because it sounds reasonable. I’m at the point where I’m going to get some tongs and just start ripping it all out of the rocks.

My thoughts are that it needs to mature to some degree before it can release spores and that I should be able to go to town in the smaller stuff.

-Matt

I beat it with manual removal only and popped plenty.

Do crabs swallow them whole? nah! They pop them when chewing them up

The spore thing is debated, some say they only have spores sometimes... who knows but popping them seems okay. Like I said, crabs do it when they eat them. They are a not snake swallowing an egg

A crab just keeps eating any new ones that pop up... I just kept removing them. Eventually I won. The first undertaking was a lot since I had a ton of bubble algae but once that was done... it was removing a few here and there now and again. Eventually they never returned.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

My experience is YES!! As a result, I manually remove all rocks, pry underneath them with a metal fingernail file or gently pull with my fingers. Rinse your rock off before placing it back in the DT. To pop them is just seeding your tank with more!

 

[LARedstickreefer]

I beat it with manual removal only and popped plenty.

Do crabs swallow them whole? nah! They pop them when chewing them up

The spore thing is debated, some say they only have spores sometimes... who knows but popping them seems okay. Like I said, crabs do it when they eat them. They are a not snake swallowing an egg

This is what really got me to thinking about it…All natural forms of control rely on something else to eat/remove it in pieces, so how do they do it without making it worse?

I think I’ll just go for it. A lot of it is holding tight within the rock crevices and will need to be yanked out for removal. Maybe some peroxide in the water will knock back any that do release spores?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi all,

I know that I’ve read, many times, that popping bubble algae releases spores that spread all over. My tank is absolutely infested with this stuff and emerald crabs (try as they might) are no match.

I just wonder if it’s true (proven) that popping this stuff releases spores or if this is just something that is assumed because it sounds reasonable. I’m at the point where I’m going to get some tongs and just start ripping it all out of the rocks.

My thoughts are that it needs to mature to some degree before it can release spores and that I should be able to go to town in the smaller stuff.

-Matt

Rarely but can happen. For larger bubbles, grasp with little prressure and twist until it releases. For smaller , i generally use a 1/4" hose with a needle attached to end and begin siphon into bucket popping each one and siphoning any spores, etc at same time

 

[Sebastiancrab]

This is what really got me to thinking about it…All natural forms of control rely on something else to eat/remove it in pieces, so how do they do it without making it worse?

I think I’ll just go for it. A lot of it is holding tight within the rock crevices and will need to be yanked out for removal. Maybe some peroxide in the water will knock back any that do release spores?

I wouldn't add anything to my tank water unless it is absolutely needed.

 

[Tamberav]

This is what really got me to thinking about it…All natural forms of control rely on something else to eat/remove it in pieces, so how do they do it without making it worse?

I think I’ll just go for it. A lot of it is holding tight within the rock crevices and will need to be yanked out for removal. Maybe some peroxide in the water will knock back any that do release spores?

Spot treatment of peroxide is more ideal if you are removing the rock. Just be carful to not overdo it, especially if you have shrimp or any SPS nearby.

If you are removing the rock, you could also swish in a bucket of saltwater before replacing.

 

[LARedstickreefer]

Rarely but can happen. For larger bubbles, grasp with little prressure and twist until it releases. For smaller , i generally use a 1/4" hose with a needle attached to end and begin siphon into bucket popping each one and siphoning any spores, etc at same time

This sounds fun. I need to rig something up for my next water change.