What Causes Bubble Algae?

Bubble algae are mostly a problem in saltwater aquariums with live rocks. Valonia and Ventricaria are the most common forms of bubble algae because they are fast growing, but Bryopsis and Dictyospheria bubble algae can also be found. Bubble algae reproduce by releasing spores when a bubble pops. Understanding what causes the algae will help you to get rid of the algae permanently. Emerald crabs eat bubble algae and can help rid a tank of an algae outbreak. Theses crabs are gentle and will not attack other fish or crabs in a tank. They can help control algae for long periods of time.

  1. Living on a Rock

    • Bubble algae grow on live rocks. If a rock with bubble algae spores is placed in a tank, this can produce algae. Porous rocks can have algae spores inside tiny holes that are not visible to the naked eye. Many times the algae are dormant until the right growing conditions occur, and then the algae thrive. Thorough cleaning of the rock will reduce your chances of getting the bubble algae again. When removing the rock from the aquarium, it is vital that none of the bubbles pop while the rock in over the tank.

    Water Transfers

    • When salt water is added to a tank, all the spores and nutrients from the water are added. Bubble algae have been transferred from other tanks and saltwater sources into an aquarium and attached to live rocks. The only way to control this cause is to use water you have mixed yourself.

    Light Wavelengths

    • Yellow and red wavelength lights cause bubble algae to grow and reproduce. Lights that defuse in water to create the yellow and red wavelengths will grow almost any species of algae. The spectrum of light that starts the algae growing process is normally around 3300 to 3500 Kelvin degrees. Altering the light source can slow the growth of the algae and keep it in a dormant state.

    Nutrients

    • When the nutrients in the water are just right algae thrives. High levels of phosphates and nitrates can pull bubble algae spores out of the dormant state and allow them to grow rapidly. Fish waste and uneaten fish foods are the most common causes of high levels of nitrates and phosphates. Cleaning the tank regularly, using the appropriate filter and feeding fish the correct amounts will drop the levels of these nutrients in the tank.