In this article, I will discuss how we can get rid of Bryopsis – invasive algae that can give aquarists sleepless nights. Getting rid of them is not easy as they won’t be eaten by any animals and plucking only makes things worse, so what to do to fight them?

What is Bryopsis Algae anyway?

Bryopsis is a pest in marine aquariums. Bryopsis is a genus of green, fern-like algae from the Bryopsidaceae family. The two most common species of this family are Bryopsis pennata and Bryopsis plumosa. The main problem with these algae is that they spread quickly and have no natural enemy who would eat them in sufficient quantities to stop them from dominating the aquarium.

Algae occupy the living space of corals and other invertebrates, preventing them from developing, growing and other life functions. Bryopsis secretes toxins that slow or even stop coral growth, allowing the algae to overtake corals in development in the aquarium.

Identifying Bryopsis algae

Bryopsis is similar to ferns. It has a green color, has branched stems from which green fibers spread.

How do these algae get inside an aquarium?

Most often they get into the aquarium on coral plugs or in live rock. If the conditions inside the tank are conducive to their development, they quickly become invasive.

How to fight it?

Magnesium

One way to fight Bryopsis is to increase magnesium. After exceeding a certain level, the algae begin to disappear. Exceeding the critical threshold makes magnesium begin to interfere with the cellular processes of algae. However, bear in mind that too much magnesium in the aquarium can have a negative effect on corals and other animals.

Fluconazole

Fluconazole is an antifungal drug, generally used for infections. It’s safe for almost all organisms, except for some algae. Fluconazole disturbs chemical routes that algae use to create a molecule called ergosterol. Ergosterol, in turn, is necessary for plants to maintain the integrity of their cell membranes. Without this molecule, algae literally fall apart.

The drug is safe for corals, shrimps, fish and other animals, but if you have a refugium, Fluconazole can destroy it.

The effects will be visible a few days after using the drug. For the duration of treatment, you must turn off the skimmer and remove activated carbon. During this time, we also do not make water changes. After about 2 weeks, the algae will be completely killed – after this period you should do a water change.

Summary

Invasive Bryopsis algae can cause a lot of trouble in a marine aquarium. Fortunately, we have an effective way to get rid of this intruder.