Bubbly plants

[bj5z25]

Recently i have noticed a number of bubbles that form on my liverock. THey look like small bubble weeds. I tried to pop one but they have a strong outer layer. ARe these hitchhikers, are they bad, if so what can i do to get rid of them.

[Fluff]

Sounds like valonia (bubble algae). You don't want to pop them. Popping them will cause them to release spores into your water column and help spread them. They can be removed by gently twisting them from the rock or, you can starve them out by keeping your nitrates under 10ppm and your phosphates at 0. This is how I got rid of them. There are some pics at this site for clarification. HTH

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/greenalg.htm

[seaham358]

Sounds like bubble algae..... Do not pop them in the tank they say that can spread them. If you pull them lightly they come off the LR. People say emerald crabs eat them, mine never did. Check water parameters and see what you nitrates are..