springer damsels help with algae?

[mort]

Just wondering if anyone has springers damsels and seen that they removed a notable about of algae? I know damsels eat a fair bit of algae but am unsure just how effective they can be.
The reason I ask is I have a 2ft cube, so no tangs, and a linear blenny, who eats more corals than algae, and I'd like something to help clean up a little. I don't have much algae at all but would like something that potentially would help if any sprang up. I also understand damsels and their behaviour, which is actually why I love them but any other fish choices that might fit the same niche would be gratefully received.

 

[nemo1017]

Mollies...freshwater fish, can be converted over to salt.

 

[Baldguy]

I've never seen my Springeri touch algae. I see LA lists them as carnivores so probably not much algae in their diet.

 

[tyler1503]

I haven't personally kept that blenny before, do they play nicely with lawnmowers? That may be option.
I haven't had damsels eat enough algae to control any growth.

 

[eatbreakfast]

I've had springeri and other Chrysiptera species in tanks with algaes and they didn't contribute to it's removal in any noticeable way.

Hectori and rainsford gobies would be more effective.

 

[mort]

Mollies...freshwater fish, can be converted over to salt.

Thanks for the suggestion but it's not a problem I really need a solution for so don't want to add something I'm not absolutely in love with.

I've never seen my Springeri touch algae. I see LA lists them as carnivores so probably not much algae in their diet.

Lots of these damsels eat a fair bit of algae naturally. I have chrysiptera and pomacentrus is other tanks that keep a little area quite clean (normally when they are breeding).

I haven't personally kept that blenny before, do they play nicely with lawnmowers? That may be option.
I haven't had damsels eat enough algae to control any growth.

I don't think there is enough algae to sustain an algae blenny and two similar species in such a small space I think would bring problems. I also think that the little love bites the resident blenny takes out of the odd coral are because there isn't enough palatable algae for it (it ignores nori). My nutrients in this system are undetectable which is why I'm looking for something to help raise them a little.

I've had springeri and other Chrysiptera species in tanks with algaes and they didn't contribute to it's removal in any noticeable way.

Hectori and rainsford gobies would be more effective.

This was my feeling, in that they didn't really do much. I don't really have an issue but it's just a little bit of future proofing. This is why I don't want to go for something that is a heavy herbivore (Hectori and rainsford would be doomed to starvation I believe) rather something I'd like to add anyway and see how it goes.

Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[tyler1503]

I don't think there is enough algae to sustain an algae blenny and two similar species in such a small space I think would bring problems. I also think that the little love bites the resident blenny takes out of the odd coral are because there isn't enough palatable algae for it (it ignores nori). My nutrients in this system are undetectable which is why I'm looking for something to help raise them a little.

So you have undetectable nutrients and no algae, but you want to raise your nutrients without risking an algae bloom? Sorry, just making sure I understand [emoji23]
Could you add snails to keep algae at bay and feed a little extra? Do you feed your coral?

 

[mort]

So you have undetectable nutrients and no algae, but you want to raise your nutrients without risking an algae bloom? Sorry, just making sure I understand [emoji23]
Could you add snails to keep algae at bay and feed a little extra? Do you feed your coral?

Essentially yes but it's all about the scale. At the moment I can't get a nitrate reading as my refugium is so efficient and adding a small population of fish will help boost this slightly. I do feed my corals but don't like ultra low nutrient systems so want to raise levels slightly. I could dose nitrate but I'd rather have less work and add something I will enjoy.
It's hard to get snails that will live very long here as the chain of supply treats them poorly. I have a few that I've had for a decade or so and these keep things looking good, apart from an algae whose growth isn't nutrient related (from the experience of julian sprung) and they don't touch.

I guess I worded the initial post badly. It could be summed up as wanting a fish for a low stocked tank that might help with algae but not rely on it. The nutrient boost is just a bonus.