Bryopsis Algae

[MizTanks]

Here's what I've come up with on how to get rid of it. First, do not scrape, pull, nor try and rub it off. It's a deep rooted type algae and will only grow back, ten fold! There are no known fish that will eat Bryopsis. A few may graze on the newer shoots but again it will only grow back thicker. This is what I've found on ways to get rid of it completely.

1. Trendy Magnesium Solution

Some reports of a Bryopsis bloom mysteriously correct themselves over time and in fact, may disappear altogether where water quality is kept in good standing. This may go a ways in understanding why some people are insisting in the latest trend of elevating the levels of magnesium from the normal range (1,280 ppm) to 1,500 – 1,600 ppm. Most aquarists who have tried this method feel it is the fastest and least detrimental way to correct the dilemma. The theory behind this is that the magnesium stops the photosynthetic processes in the Bryopsis, but does this without affecting other desirable macros and life in the reef. There are some, though, that suspect the elevated levels of magnesium can kill desirable invertebrates, so as with most things in reef keeping, slow is best. Also, ask yourself, would you rather chance losing some snails or some corals?

2. The pH Solution

A similar method to try is while aggressively protein skimming, elevate your pH to a steady 8.5 for three weeks. It would seem that low ph/alkalinity ratios seem to aggravate an outbreak.

3. Nudibranch

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/dec2004/invert.htm

[graphixx]

good info...

kinda reminds me of chest hair.... dont shave it or it grows back 10 fold

[MizTanks]

LMBO!! Except without all the cracks en crevises!

[jojo22]

Nice write up.

[ReeferRob]

And as always try to limit as best as possible the introduction of phosphates. When I first set up my tank it was with regular tap water. Only because I wasn't patient enough for my Ro unit. Byropsis exploded. Two 20% water changes syphoning off the byropsis with manual pulling eliminated the byropsis for me! I also ran a phosphate pad in the mechanical filter for two weeks as well. No mag bump no pH bump.

[speedstar]

Also it is believed not to be the magnesium in most cases it is thought to be some unknown ingredient in Kent Tech-M (ask jimsflies ;) ). Using the bulk reef supply Mg many have dumped in gallons and scene no results. If trying the Mg elevated method (which i actually like) be sure to use tech-m.

[ReeferRob]

Also it is believed not to be the magnesium in most cases it is thought to be some unknown ingredient in Kent Tech-M (ask jimsflies ;) ). Using the bulk reef supply Mg many have dumped in gallons and scene no results. If trying the Mg elevated method (which i actually like) be sure to use tech-m.

Shoot thought I added that in my post. Thanks for making that a point Speed.

[jimsflies]

I just talked with one of my reefing buddies who just finished with tech M after about 10 days of dosing 100 ml, for a total of 1700 ppm. He said it's all gone. I plan to start tomorrow or Thursday.

[tazzy695]

bryopsys aka demon grass

I have had a major battle with it and can show pics to prove it apon request

what I did to win the battle was as follows
#1 increas mg by 100ppm per day to 1800+ I had mine well over 22k
#2 remove all rock from tank and burn bryopsys off with propane torch
#3 take the siphone and scrape the glass and suck all signs of bryopsys out of the sand and tank

#4 if you have any frags that are covered attempt to trim enough polyps off to save the coral and toss the rest

also I used epsom salt for my mag increasing

[MizTanks]

Yupppers, I'm using Tech M! As for all the scraping, pulling, burning and whatever else, I think I'll just stick with the measure an squirt method. :D

[tazzy695]

Yea that is just what I have done as almost every rock in my tank was getting over run

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I must respectfully disagree with the statement that "There are no known fish that will eat Bryopsis".

Zebrasoma tangs have controlled bryopsis for me several times over the years. Of course not all tanks are suitable for a yellow or scopas tang.

Tom

[tazzy695]

I have a yellow tang in my system and actually had 2 when I was dealing with bryopsis and they would not touch it nor would any other fish I had

I will say that bryopsys can a lot of times be mistaken for ha which the tangs will eat

[Tankster]

I just talked with one of my reefing buddies who just finished with tech M after about 10 days of dosing 100 ml, for a total of 1700 ppm. He said it's all gone. I plan to start tomorrow or Thursday.

Jim, I've got two zoa frags with Bryopsis on them. Any chance you could treat them with your tank?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I have a yellow tang in my system and actually had 2 when I was dealing with bryopsis and they would not touch it nor would any other fish I had

I will say that bryopsys can a lot of times be mistaken for ha which the tangs will eat

Sorry for the confusion... I was not trying to say that all Zebrasoma tangs will eat bryopsis. There is variability in the diet preferences of all species (I happen to hate watermelon). It is however my experience that Zebrasoma tangs eat bryopsis. Perhaps I got lucky with my tangs, but I know for a fact that I had bryopsis and my tangs controlled it. I felt it was important to add this to the discussion as the OP stated that no fish eat bryopsis. Additionally, Sprung has written that rabbitfish will eat bryopsis. I have no experience with this but again I think it is important that all information is presented.

Tom

[tazzy695]

I have even heard reports that foxface will eat it but again cant confirm I just know what worked for me and what didn't

[MizTanks]

Ok, guys I did come up with more info on who/what is gonna eat it. As I stated, helloooo was anybody reading, they will graze on it but *it will come right back*.

Most herbivores will not eat this alga. In a mature tank, Bryopsis can take over, smothering all stationary life forms. Some tangs, such as those from the Zebrasoma and Ctenochaetus families may keep it in control, but because the pest can be embedded in the rock quite deeply, it can come right back. If you have a large tank, a Naso tang would also enjoy eating it. Other fish known to be willing to try this alga are: the lawnmower or algae blenny and the bi-colour blenny. However, the aquarist’s preferred method of natural removal seems to be with Diadema urchins, Elysia Nudibranches, and even common pincushion urchins. Emerald Mithrax and some hermit crabs can also help do battle, but depending on the size of your outbreak, you may need many of them. For example, the Tridachia Crispa (Sea Lettuce Slug) is a specialist feeder of Bryopsis but it will most assuredly die once the outbreak has been contained. Therefore, you have a responsibility to these animals to ensure them a new home with enough to eat.

Sorry I didn't post this in the beginning. I was still researching, so shoot me already!

[Sir Patrick]

Great info. Thx for sharing. I have always meant to look into mag dosing and bryopsis.