Any nano fish that eats algae?

[James_O]

I know that as aquarists it’s better to get rid of the issue at hand, rather than trying to get a fish to do it for you. However, I’m looking into getting a new fish anyway!

Let me give you some background info on my tank:

Size: 29 gallons

Current stock: 2x Clowns, 1x diamond spot goby, 1x hermit crab, 2x snails

Coral: Mostly softies, with a couple LPS

——-

Any suggestions for a nano fish that would work well with the tank, and that would eat algae?

 

[attiland]

I know that as aquarists it’s better to get rid of the issue at hand, rather than trying to get a fish to do it for you. However, I’m looking into getting a new fish anyway!

Let me give you some background info on my tank:

Size: 29 gallons

Current stock: 2x Clowns, 1x diamond spot goby, 1x hermit crab, 2x snails

Coral: Mostly softies, with a couple LPS

——-

Any suggestions for a nano fish that would work well with the tank, and that would eat algae?

As you said employ your hands. No fish will take care of algae on the glass even in a bigger aquarium.
Some use young tangs and keep swapping them. You probably have to result to hermits and snails in that size.

 

[lapin]

Blennies /Lawmowers not really nano but small

 

[James_O]

Do Orchid dottyback eat algae? I’ve been wanting one for a while.

—-

You probably have to result to hermits and snails in that size.

Hermit crabs are BEASTS, not gonna lie. The one I have completely wiped out a rock covered in algae, in a matter of days.

Would it be a better idea to get the fish that I want and get a proper CUC? Rather than trying to find a fish that will eat algae?

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Emerald crab and a small Mexican turbo snail. But they won’t keep your glass clean.

 

[James_O]

Emerald crab and a small Mexican turbo snail. But they won’t keep your glass clean.

It’s not so much the glass, rather the sand. My goby is supposedly a sand sifter, but he never sifts sand. ;Meh

 

[attiland]

Do Orchid dottyback eat algae? I’ve been wanting one for a while.

—-


Hermit crabs are BEASTS, not gonna lie. The one I have completely wiped out a rock covered in algae, in a matter of days.

Would it be a better idea to get the fish that I want and get a proper CUC? Rather than trying to find a fish that will eat algae?

most likely ad some more hermits and a couple of snails like Trochus/turbo/Astrea.

Just remembered some people use black mollies too for this job, but personally I am not fan of them

 

[James_O]

I’ll get some more hermits, they’re awesome. (say 3-4 more?)

I’m definitely not getting mollies, no sir.

 

[elorablue]

It’s not so much the glass, rather the sand. My goby is supposedly a sand sifter, but he never sifts sand. ;Meh

James, I’d say you can definitely add some more snails. I would add 3 nassarius 3 ceriths and a couple each of astrea and trochus.
the nassarius and ceriths will work the sand and the others will work the rocks and glass.
also you could consider a tuxedo urchin.
Personally I have no crabs … don’t like their attitude
As for herbivorous fish, I have the same question.

 

[attiland]

I’ll get some more hermits, they’re awesome. (say 3-4 more?)

I’m definitely not getting mollies, no sir.

I don't blame you, people switch to saltwater because they have had enough of mollies and alike

 

[James_O]

James, I’d say you can definitely add some more snails. I would add 3 nassarius 3 ceriths and a couple each of astrea and trochus.
the nassarius and ceriths will work the sand and the others will work the rocks and glass.
also you could consider a tuxedo urchin.
Personally I have no crabs … don’t like their attitude
As for herbivorous fish, I have the same question.

Ah, yes! I definitely want to get some nass. Snails for the sand. I think they would really help.

Urchins are super cool, but I don’t really want one in my tank, especially considering the size and setup.