I have valonia

[hurrifan]

I am not even sure if it is correctly spelled. I have this algae popping up in a few places. What causes it? Is it harmful or beneficial? How do I solve it, if it is problematic? I have not found anything in my books about it, but that is becasue I probably have the wrong books...

 

[Bodine]

That is the correct spelling for common bubble algae.
Control?
Some say emerald crabs will eat the new growth....

Some say a Red Sea Sailfin will eat the new growth.....

Never was a problem for me

 

[Anonymous]

Do a search for Valonia and you'll find a lot of info.
I think there was something in one of the Advanced Aquarist issues. Check their archives.

Also check the post called "Just the FAQs" - I think there's something about Valonia in there.

 

[Mouse]

Or use a small diameter hose with a pin on the end and syphon them out once you burst them. Make sure only to do this with a water change as you want to ensure that the water you remove with the syphon doesn't return back into the tank cuz its loaded with spores.

 

[fishfarmer]

I have yet to have a problem with it in two tanks I have, other than it growing next to a finger leather and putting a dent in it. The first time I saw it in my 38 gallon it went away on it's own. I got it back in the system when I introduced the finger leather. I let them grow to bean size and pick them out.