Bryopsis Algae

[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.