Algae Control in the Reef Aquarium III-Green Algae Continued- Post 2

In the order dasycladales, there are several types that often appear on live rock but rarely last long. 

 In the order siphonocladales, there are two that are notable in reef aquariums; valonia and ventricaria.  These are the green “bubble algae.”  The bubble form isn’t because the algae produces air bubbles like others, but is the form of the algae itself.  

Some find these species unsightly, and others decorative and interesting.  The cause for concern is how quickly growing they are and how difficult they can be to eradicate.  They can easily outgrow neighboring corals.  Though not in all cases, they are also often found when there are too many nutrients in the environment which is a second cause for concern. 

Manual removal, and the deprivation of needed nutrients are the most effective methods of elimination as they are likely to resist being eradicated by herbivores.  There can be concern for rupturing them during removal, as they will release more spores into the environment causing further outbreak.  It is worth being careful to attempt avoiding rupture, but the risk is necessary as the spores will be released anyway if they aren’t removed at all.  After manual removal of the large vesicles, herbivores will help to prevent new growth.