Hey everyone! So right now i am running a 16g mixed reef tank. I have been struggling with some green algae build up that the my cleanup crew just cannot keep up with. I kave scarlet hermit crabs, emerald green crab, turbo snails, naustrus snails, whole nine yards... i have had luck knoking it back by shuttong off my lights for a few days at a time but i hate doing that. I find myself scrubbing algea off the rocks alot and its a pain! So im hoping someone can recomend me a fishy that likes salad, can play nice with my clownfish, and will be happy in a small tank. I will be upgrading my tank soon!!! I am currently cycling a new 36 gallon tank that i will be transfering my reef into soon. Thanks for any ideas!
Need an herbivore!
- Thread starter Payson
- Start date
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Peroxide dip that rock and scrub before/during your transfer....
also might want to look into what algae it is. a GHA should just die and scurb off with a good cuc.
also might want to look into what algae it is. a GHA should just die and scurb off with a good cuc.
eatbreakfast
Fish Nerd
There are a few good algae eating blennies. Rainsford or hectori gobies will also eat algae.
Granular ferric oxide will absorb excess phosphates which can often be a cause for algae growth.
Granular ferric oxide will absorb excess phosphates which can often be a cause for algae growth.
Lawnmower grows quite big to 5 inches, a bit smaller salarias is the segmentatus, grows to 4 inches ( if you want alternatives)
Other smaller options are the escenius blenny like the tailspot, bicolor and dusky yellow streak
Other smaller options are the escenius blenny like the tailspot, bicolor and dusky yellow streak
PatW
2500 Club Member
Algae tends to grow when the tank water has relatively high levels of phosphates and nitrates. There are a number of ways to reduce these nutrients. But for a smaller tank like yours, a few big water changes is probably the cheapest, easiest and most reliable way to reduce nutrients.
It is best to test for nitrates and phosphates to confirm the situation. There are a number of decent nitrate tests available. I think the Hanna ULR phosphate test is the only test sensitive enough for phisphates. Most LFS will test your water for a fee.
It really helps if you make your own RODI water. If you do, it is pretty easy to mix up saltwater in a Brute trash can.
It is best to test for nitrates and phosphates to confirm the situation. There are a number of decent nitrate tests available. I think the Hanna ULR phosphate test is the only test sensitive enough for phisphates. Most LFS will test your water for a fee.
It really helps if you make your own RODI water. If you do, it is pretty easy to mix up saltwater in a Brute trash can.
alanbetiger
Active Member
Do you have a local fish club in your area? In the DFW area you'll see someone get a Sea Hare and then pass it around to others once it eats everything. Depending on the LFS some will "buy" it back. There's the smaller Blue Dot Sea Hare that also looks pretty cool.
