Bubble Algae

Valonia ventricosa

Deep Dive

Species data

🟢 Bubble Algae (Valonia Species)
Scientific Name: Valonia ventricosa, Ventricaria spp.
Common Name: Bubble Algae
Appearance: Smooth, shiny green bubbles attached to rock
Reef Safe: ❌ Invasive nuisance
Temperament: Fast-growing and opportunistic
Diet: Photosynthetic – thrives on light and nutrients
Tank Role: Unwanted pest – competes with coral and spreads easily

Description

🔍 Description:
Bubble algae are bright green, air-filled sacs that form in clusters across live rock and frag plugs. Though they may look attractive at first, these algae spread rapidly, grow in hard-to-reach crevices, and can smother coral and clog filtration systems.

Popping the bubbles manually can cause them to release spores and spread faster. Manual removal plus a specialized cleanup crew is the most effective strategy.

Why it Appears

✅ Why They Appear:

High Nutrients: Elevated phosphate/nitrate levels

Low Herbivore Pressure: Lack of proper grazers

Uncontrolled Lighting: Too much white spectrum or long photoperiod

Introduction via Frags or Rock: Often hitchhike into the tank

Best Predator

🧽 Best Cleanup Crew for Bubble Algae:

Emerald Crabs – one of the few known grazers of bubble algae

Scarlet Hermit Crabs – help clean around infested areas

Manual Removal – using tweezers during water changes

Notes

⚠️ Notes for Success:

Avoid Popping Bubbles: It spreads spores

Keep Nitrates & Phosphates Low: Target balanced nutrient control

Limit Frag Transfers: Quarantine and inspect all new corals

Pair With Strong Flow: Prevents buildup in dead zones

Pro tip

🧠 Pro Tip:
Not every Emerald Crab eats bubble algae — provide variety in the crew and combine with manual removal for best results.

Bubble Algae

Add to cart

Emerald Crab. - Mythrax sculptus
40 in stock Order today before 11PM, shipped today
$5.00

Filter

Your current filtersFilterRemove all filters

Availability

In stock

PricePrice

From $ to $

Show product (1)

Bubble Algae

Deep Dive

Bubble Algae

1 product

Emerald Crab. - Mythrax sculptus

Your current filtersFilterRemove all filters

Sort by

Availability

PricePrice