Film Algae and Critters that Eat It

[Hugh Mann]

To paraphrase a great man, "I've had it with this monkey-fighting film Algae on this Monday to Friday Aquarium! It's time to get CuC!"

On a more serious note, bright green film Algae has cropped up and is dominating my rock and glass, turning it all lime green.

I am told that tuxedo Urchins don't typically eat film Algae, preferring hair, coralline and other such algaes.

Can anyone confirm or refute that statement? I currently have a little tux in a different tank working its way through GHA and other junk, and am wondering if I can move it over once it's job there is done. Or, if they don't eat it, what other CuC can I consider? I've heard turbo snails are pretty great, but I don't know if I have enough to sustain one.

And just today some dark green/brown crud is forming too.

 

[Doctorgori]

I dunno exactly what they eat or don’t eat but Urchins leave absolutely nothing behind, I’d be surprise if you don’t see anything but white rock after a pass over by an urchin ...
and before you get urchins be advised: secure your corals, make sure you don’t mind corals getting moved and your coraline algae is firmly established

 

[Funston07]

To paraphrase a great man, "I've had it with this monkey-fighting film Algae on this Monday to Friday Aquarium! It's time to get CuC!"

On a more serious note, bright green film Algae has cropped up and is dominating my rock and glass, turning it all lime green.

I am told that tuxedo Urchins don't typically eat film Algae, preferring hair, coralline and other such algaes.

Can anyone confirm or refute that statement? I currently have a little tux in a different tank working its way through GHA and other junk, and am wondering if I can move it over once it's job there is done. Or, if they don't eat it, what other CuC can I consider? I've heard turbo snails are pretty great, but I don't know if I have enough to sustain one.

And just today some dark green/brown crud is forming too.

Im not sure about urchins but here is a list of snails that show you what various algae they eat. The top portion of this list shows the best 2 snails that prefer to eat whatever particular algae your fighting.