What's the difference between hair algae and bryopsis?

[dmack]

Im wondering what the difference is (if any). I have a huge outbreak of hair algae/bryopsis and I need to know the best way to cure it. I have tried 3 days of no light (along with other measures) with a little success. But it is still alive and well.

[dendro982]

My bryopsis is feather-like, light green as compared to hair algae, more springy, grows from one point, much more invasive and persistent. Like the shape, although.

The hair algae in my tank was dark green, very-very thin, velvety, doesn't hold a shape, covers surfaces as a carpet. Doesn't bother too much.

[Canarygirl]

do both types of algae respond to the high-magnesium treatment, or just bryopsis?

[davocean]

HA= a pain, but easy to scrub off, dunk rocks, and cure prob.
BRY= absolute nightmare no matter how hard you scrub, much tougher to rid IMO.
In desperation as I was about to throw rocks w/ bry in my back yard I saw my propane torch.... worked like a charm!
Spot burned rocks and didn't ruin them, even saved the coraline!
(Be careful if you have zoos if you choose that route!)

[dmack]

Sounds like I have hair algae.

[davocean]

Lucky.
Scrub and dunk.
Light off 3 days.
Find source and eliminate, RO/DI, more WC's, better skimming, fuge w/ macro, rinse mysis/less feedings

[dmack]

Thanks davocean

[J. Montgomery]

Bryopsis is a type of hair algae.