Little info I found:Bubble Algae - Valonia
Bubble Algae (Valonia) are dark green single celled plants that range in size from smaller than 1mm to larger than 1cm (1/2" or more).. They can rapidly become a nuisance because they grow in limited nutrients (even in dimly lit places).. They reproduce both sexually and asexually and care should be taken not to break them after they are about 1/4" in diameter.. The larger ones can be mature and contain spores inside.. The spores are released when the bubble is broken (causing them to spread).. Some hermit crabs will eat bubble algae but most of them are too large to be considered reef safe..
Red Sea Sailfin Tangs have been known to eat bubble algae but your mileage may vary..
The best method for removing Bubble Algae.. Use a 6-10" section of rigid tubing attached to a 3-4' section of airline tubing and start a syphon through it.. Have someone hold a container and the end of the airline tubing so, they can let you know when the syphon has stopped.. Then start breaking the bubble algae with the end of the rigid tubing and capture as much of the contents of the bubbles as possible in the syphon container (clear the tube when the syphon stops).. Remove the shells of the Valonia (that are too big to be caught in the syphon tube) with a pair of tweezers or add a Herbivorous Tang (they love to eat the empty husks).. This may have to be repeated several times before the valonia are completely gone and or under control..
What eats Valonia?
I added 3 Emerald Crabs to my set-up and they virtually eliminated the bubble algae within 2-3 weeks.. After 4 months the Emerald crabs have yet to bother a single polyp in my set-up (your milage may vary).. The
Red Sea Sailfin tang is also attributed with eating valonia but mine never touched the stuff (again, your milage may vary)..
