weird bubble?

I found these floating on the surface of my water. It looked like a dirty bubble, but didn't pop when I touched them with my scraper. I decided to catch them in a cup and take a picture. Any idea what they are?

 

Looks like bubble algae. Can be invasive if left unchecked. Are they firm?

 

Some sort of bubble algae??

 

I didn't touch them..didn't know if I should. Does bubble algae float?

 

Looks like bubble algae. Often firm to the touch sometimes hard to pop, they do float and are FILLED with spores. If you cant get them loose with out popping them use a turkey baster to pop/suck up the water as it pops. Often times you can scrape at the rock or whatever they are attached to and they will come loose with out breaking. This is the best way to remove them.

As stated before they can Overrun a tank if unchecked. If you don't mind having quite a few of the bubbles you can use emerald crabs. They like to snack on the bubbles, but can spread the bubbles all the same. Be cautious with emerald crabs they cant always be trusted.

 

Well, after inspecting them once out of the tank, they did pop on contact with my fingers, so I'm not quite sure what they were. I will keep an eye out for any more or any signs of bubble algae. Thaks for the responses guys.

 

bubble algae for sure if you found it floating probably means the problem is taking care of itself. had a few shortly after my cycle but they didnt last very long as long as you are doing things correct (mainly not using tap water)

 

Hopefully that is the case. The tank is only about 3 months old. I have been doing regular WC etc and I use RO water, but I have a new RO/DI unit on the way this week so my water quality should get even better.

 

If they popped on contact (without pressure?) Could be something like protein bubbles? I have no idea but a have seen air bubbles collect enough sludge at the top of the tank to stay well formed when undisturbed.

 

Its definitely Bubble algae.