What is this

[Kim Ward]

I dont know what this is? I have had two of these bubble things in my tank prior to this photo and I removed them. The others were separate bubbles not clustered together so I thought maybe bubble algae? Now I have a cluster of them and I have no clue what they are. What are they? Leave them or remove them?

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Looks like bubble algea.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Bubble algae.
Remove them carefully.

 

[Mical]

That is bubble algae, remove as much as possible but don't pop any. If you do you'll have tons more because each one is full of spores. I had a massive problem and my foxface "lawnmowered" it in a matter of days. (He also doubled in size) Another option is emerald crabs but they're hit and miss.

 

[lapin]

For inquiring minds that want to know
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/hcj/feature/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/popping-bubble-algae-lets-settle-this-once-and-for-all.351858/

 

[Kim Ward]

Thank you for all the responses. Now this is hard like a rock with a shell so that is bubble algae correct? I though bubble algae was soft and would pop easily. This doesnt.

 

[jrill]

Thank you for all the responses. Now this is hard like a rock with a shell so that is bubble algae correct? I though bubble algae was soft and would pop easily. This doesnt.

Yes, that's bubble algae

 

[Dom]

As I understand bubble algae, if you rupture it during removal, spores flood the tank and seed the entire tank. That is why I would suggest auctioning them off... maybe during a water change?