Nightmare Bryopsis Algae Problem: A Solution That Actually Works
There are all kinds of algae problems an aquarist can experience in keeping saltwater aquariums, particularly with reef tanks. But none of them can be as nightmarish as Bryopsis.
Unlike most other algae, such as hair algae or cyanobacteria, Bryopsis does not respond to most removal methods. Even a normal algae problem can be extremely frustrating or even lead to someone giving up and shutting down their tank. But that doesn’t have to happen. There is a solution and I’m going to share it with you here in just a moment.
Typically, most algae problems such as hair algae or cyanobacteria, can be solved with a combination of:
- elevated pH
- increased water circulation
- removal of phosphates and nitrates
- removal of detritus, and
- addition of algae grazers (tangs, hermit crabs, snails, emerald crabs, urchins, sea hares, etc.)
- manual removal by humans (i.e. plucking, scrubbing, siphoning, etc.)
But Bryopsis is different, as it does not respond to these methods. Actually, it can often grow even more because of such methods (especially manual removal, which can feed asexual reproduction via fragmentation). And even biological controls such as adding grazing invertebrates and tangs is not only not very effective with Bryopsis, but it can be expensive (them critters ain’t cheap).
I wish I could say it was my idea – far from it. In fact, I have been dealing with a bout of Bryopsis recently in our 950-gallon saltwater reef exhibit at the Ocean Explorium, where I am Curator. And I was researching solutions to my problem when I cam across this solution. Here’s the link.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1113109&perpage=25&pagenumber=1
It explains the whole process in fair detail, with photos of results, showing the Bryopsis dying off and disappearing as a result of the treatment. I’ve also done more research on this method (thank you google) and it has actually been widely used with consistent successful results. And yet, it is a mostly unknown method.
Most people who get cursed with a Bryopsis algae outbreak, work like crazy for long periods of time, getting very frustrated, and still not even make a dent in the problem. Bryopsis algae outbreaks are usually caused by a new addition, where the algae comes in as a hitch hiker on a new coral or piece of live rock, or even a snail shell. So I’m glad I found it and even more glad to share it with you. Please be sure and share it with your friends too.
The method uses increased Magnesium levels for three months (1600ppm compared to the normal 1300ppm), to bring the Bryopsis to its threshold for binding Magnesium. This causes the Magnesium to then perform as an enzyme inhibitor, making the Bryopsis shut down and die off. Once this happens, the grazers in your saltwater aquarium will clean up the remains.
Point of caution: Be sure not to raise the Magnesium level by more than 100ppm per day.
Please post a comment here on the blog to share your feedback, or to tell your story if you are having any problems or frustrations with your saltwater aquarium. We would love to help you out in any way we can.
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Tagged with: algae • algae removal • bryopsis • bryopsis algae • cyanobacteria • hair algae • magnesium • problem solving • reef tank • saltwater aquarium
Filed under: Algae control • Uncategorized • problem prevention • problem solving
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Which method is better, the Kent Tech M or the Mag Flake? I’ve heard that the most reliable is the Kent Tech M, but it is more expensive.
Michael – both the Kent Tech M and the Mag Flake (w/ epsom salts) are good. If you have a tank smaller than 200 gallons, then the Kent Tech M may be more convenient and not too expensive. If your tank is larger than 200 gallons, the Mag Flake/Epsom salts option will be cheaper. Other than that, I don’t feel there will be any difference between the two methods.
Zooanthids (palythoa) are fairly common and typically available through most online retailers that sell corals. But the easiest, and cheapest way to get them is through your local aquarium club or even an online forum (of which there are many – , , to name a few).
As for local aquarium hobby clubs, they typically meet once a month, where members will swap coral frags or fish they are breeding, or even used equipment, not to mention they usually have a guest speaker too. Hope this helps.
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I would choose somewhere warm with a shallow and gently sloping beach. A pool is a fantastic place to learn. You may even have a lifeguard on duty at most public pools. And most pools will allow you to use your snorkel and even fins (if you want). So unless you’re learning to snorkel in a pool, I would recommend somewhere warm, like Florida or in the Gulf (for example).
Hope this helps.
Warren Gibbons
http://www.saltwateraquariumsecrets.com