Unusual Bryopsis Like Algae

Discussion in 'Algae' started by sen5241b, Mar 6, 2016.

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  1. sen5241b

    sen5241b Astrea Snail

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    Nothing kills or eats this Bryopsis like algae. Tried Hydrogen Peroxide dips, DINO-X (twice the recommended dosage) CUC (crabs, several kinds of snails, shrimps) and nothing works. I'v heard DINO-X is very good at killing byropsis but it did nothing to kill this stuff. The stuff is infesting the rock and especially Zoas. It seems to grow right in the zoas themselves. (I may throw my corals out because who would want corals infested with an un-killable algae?)



    Anybody seen this particular algae? Nothing seems to kill it

    [​IMG]
     
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  3. Eco Marine Reef

    Eco Marine Reef Astrea Snail

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    Bryopsis algae can be a bugger and half to combat. I am currently treating my fathers tanks to rid this algae from his main display. Like you stated, in the aquarium trade we having nothing that will naturally eat it. Additionally, there is little information on how to successfully combat the algae. However, there has been much success in using Kent Marine Tech M at a concentration of 1500+ ppm for an extended period of time to eradicate bryopsis.

    Unfortunately, you cannot use any ol' magnesium supplement to kill the bryopsis. Little is known how this method works, but it is known that the increased magnesium is not the killer. It is believed to be an unknown impurity or trace metal that Kent Marine uses in their Tech M supplement. No one really knows! To me that is the scary part.... what are we really adding to our tank and are these elevated concentrations toxic to other reef inhabitants?

    Like you, I have not found a better option. Many people have had great success with Tech M, so I figured it was worth a shot. I would rather try this method instead of dismantling his entire display. I am in the first week and a half of trying elevated levels of Kent Marine Tech M (I am using it at approximately 1600 ppm). I have noticed a little change, but I presume it will take at least a month of maintaining these elevated levels to reach the desired results of completely getting rid of the bryopsis. One thing I cannot stress enough... Watch all your other parameters closely while dosing the Kent Marine Tech M at these elevated concentrations. You want to be sure you're not increasing your other parameters and causing your reef system to be completely out of balance.
     
  4. sen5241b

    sen5241b Astrea Snail

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    I've read that the magic ingredient in Tech M is lithium and that is what is also in DINO X. I may try the Tech M. I have nothing to lose. Let me know how your battle goes.
     
  5. Eco Marine Reef

    Eco Marine Reef Astrea Snail

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    It very well could be. Unfortunately, I have not seen any definitive evidence for lithium or any of the other trace metals that are incorporated into the Tech M solution. I am highly interested in learning more about the relationship between lithium and bryopsis, do you happen to have an article that mentions lithium being the magic ingredient to kill bryopsis?
     
  6. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    I have battled that particular algae before.Manual removal and pristine water finally conquered it but it took a long time.
     
  7. sen5241b

    sen5241b Astrea Snail

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    google: bryopsis lithium
     
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  9. Eco Marine Reef

    Eco Marine Reef Astrea Snail

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    I am not so sure it is the lithium is what is the magic ingredient. Many have had success with using continuum magnesium as well and it does not appear to have lithium included in the ingredients. It is possible though, I definitely think it is a trace metal or some other impurity within the solution. Would love to see some peer reviewed articles instead of anecdotal evidence, might be a long shoot asking for that though lol. For whatever it is worth, it seems to be working.
     
  10. sen5241b

    sen5241b Astrea Snail

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    sometimes anecdote is all we can go on.
     
  11. Eco Marine Reef

    Eco Marine Reef Astrea Snail

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    Very true! My studies in coral reef physiology have always brought me back to that worried state.... what am I doing to these poor coral at the molecular level? But as you stated, these things work (even if we do not know exactly why or how).

    As for an update on my father's tank... we have upped the concentration to 1800 ppm and will hold steady at those levels for another week or so. The algae seems to be slowly receding, but we shall see and make our final conclusions at the end of this little experiment.
     
  12. Redd

    Redd Astrea Snail

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    I started a tank in February and had some sprigs of Bryopsis after the cycle and before stocking. Honestly, I added 5 nassarius, 2 margarita and 1 Mexican Turbo snails. That Turbo developed a taste for Bryopsis and has been observed in my tank taking it out. Granted, I was not nearly to the point of full blow carpeting of the algae, or any bunches larger than 5 sprigs, but after H2O2 dips (did nothing) I decided to treat once it got bad with Mg dosing. El Senor Caracol del Turbo has been destroying it. I still have it, but it's not progressing.....