So I've recently upgraded to a 150W 14K MH light above my nano, just like on Gwen's nano. And since doing that I've had something new popup on one of my rocks. It looks like a type of bubble algae but it's shaped like a Mickey Mouse balloon and deep reddish/purple in color. The closest thing that I can find that looks like it is Scinaia bengalica Børgesen (http://www.algaebase.org/SpeciesDetail.lasso?species_id=1760). I'm wondering if it's a bad thing to have in my nano and what I can do to control it if I have to?

Right now it's too tiny for my little camera to focus on. But when it grows I'll post some pics here. Maybe it's not Scinaia bengalica Børgesen, but that's the closest thing I can find.

never seen that before- do u have a cleanup crew and are they eating it??

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b184/meekerjp/redbubblealgae_12jun06.jpg

I was able to get a picture of it. No crabs in there right now. Just snails and they aren't touching it. It's kind of attractive though. It may also be Botryocladia. From what I've found this is a desirable macro algae that is difficult to come keep because many things eat it. Since there are no fish or crabs in there I guess I have a refugium for it. It is VERY colorful. I think I'll try to cultivate it.

Adam do you have any ideas? Am I close with my ID?

hi jim,

since it is just the "bubble" comign directly off the rock,

i would guess it is a Halosaccion (possibly H. glandiforme)

but otherwise if not then then member of the Gotrycladia genus.

Here's how it's grown.

http://jimmeeker.us/cs/photos/my_aquarium/images/99/500x375.aspx

Looks pretty. Is it good or bad?

I have no idea. So far so good though. It's very fragile and will break off if bumped.

Well it looks nice anyhow. :)