Hair Algae ??? Or something worse

[tent boy]

Is this hair algae? It looks like it has fern like tips. It is a beast to get rid of. Wont pull off rocks like the "normal" hair algae



.

 

[richg315]

Maybe Bryopsis? I'm battling that right now and let me tell you its a tough battle. The fern-like ends is what makes me think it might be....good luck

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Paul, what's your current magnesium level? I've read about people beating bryopsis by boosting magnesium.

 

[tent boy]

Up to 1500 ish? The light "fluffy" hair algea is easy to deal with, this stuff not so easy. Definately heard of the bryopsis word, just didn't know it was this.

 

[windyridge]

Get some Kent Tech M and dose to reach and stay at 1600 for magnesium. You will see the bryposis turn white and die off within a few days (if it's bryopsis). No harm to fish or reef inhabitants.

 

[richg315]

I'm currently dosing Kent Tech-m and it is definitely working to get rid of the bryopsis. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't work overnight, i've had my magnesium levels up over 1600 for two weeks and its just about gone. You'll see the tips turn black and that's a good indicator that you have the right level of Tech m in your tank. Any other questions about this nasty algae shoot me a pm. Happy holidays!!!
Rich

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Bryopsis for sure.
Bryopsis is also commonly referred to as "hair algae" along with Derbesia and many other species of green alga.
I've used Tech M to beat Bryopsis but it's not my preferred method.
Elevated Mg levels can make snails and echinoderms sluggish and lead to their death. Nuisance alga are good indicator species. You're dosing LaCl3, right Paul? Maybe just stick with that. And get some herbivores.

That clump of algae wouldn't last a minute in my aquarium!

 

[tent boy]

I am dosing the LaCl3. I will continue with reduction of phosphates. What are some fish or inverts that might enjoy this tasty salad?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Foxface Rabbitfish would be my #1 choice

 

[zooman72]

I have used the magnesium method (Tech-M) and turbo snails, both separately and together. I never lost any inverts when dosing Tech-M, but I did it very slowly. I have also used relatively large turbo snails (my tanks are nanos), and they also did a good job, and they are currently my favorite herbivore (except they do not eat bubble algae).

In a tank your size you will have a greater choice of herbivores of course!

 

[tent boy]

I picked up a foxface from G about 2 weeks ago. I am going to stop giving him algae strips and make him graze on the rocks.