Alternative Algae Control

[DocRose]

Looking for alternative suggestions for algae control. I’ve had an assortment of snails doing the job, but recently my Melanurus Wrasse has been going after them (even the Mexican Turbos) more and more. And to top that off my Yellow Coris Wrasse has started doing it too. I was just going to get rid of the Melanurus, but if the Yellow Coris is doing it too, then that won’t help; and I don’t want to get rid of both. So if I keep the fish, what are some other algae control options because I can’t afford to buy snails every other week. It’s a Red Sea 250 (55 gallon display) so tangs aren’t really an option. Other current inhabitants include a Ruby Longfin Fairy Wrasse, Yellow Watchman Goby, Randall’s Pistol Shrimp, Tiger Conchs, and soft corals.

 

[Spare time]

You could try algivorous fish. Lawnmower blennies, court jester / rainford gobies, hector's gobies, etc. Urchins and siphonaria limpets could work. Sea hares are another option if you don't think the wrasse would go after them.

You could try an emerald crab since they often can be hidden during the day.

 

[ilikefish69]

Important question, what kind of algae? If it is green… Reef flux or flux RX to get a head start. That is how I got mine under control. Starting with dry rock it is almost inevitable . Do your research on the product and follow the directions
. Lawnmower blenny an option.
Hermit crabs, seem to be the only CUC other than a few trochus snails.
Oh ya also tuxedo urchins, fantastic at algae removal, but will move frags and small rocks.
what are your no3/po4 levels, that is the easiest way to begin identifying why the algae is growing.

 

[bushdoc]

Tuxedo urchin

 

[DocRose]

You could try algivorous fish. Lawnmower blennies, court jester / rainford gobies, hector's gobies, etc.

You could try an emerald crab since they often can be hidden during the day.

I’ve had a Ruby mithrax in there before (related to the emerald), but there’s not enough algae for it, so it got a taste for my Duncan. He got moved to the Fuge.

 

[Spare time]

I’ve had a Ruby mithrax in there before (related to the emerald), but there’s not enough algae for it, so it got a taste for my Duncan. He got moved to the Fuge.

PS I edited and added some more to my comment

 

[MoshJosh]

What are your nutrient level and would lowering them be an option.

Also, I assume you are growing chaeto in your fuge?

 

[DocRose]

Important question, what kind of algae? If it is green… Reef flux or flux RX to get a head start. That is how I got mine under control. Starting with dry rock it is almost inevitable . Do your research on the product and follow the directions
. Lawnmower blenny an option.
Hermit crabs, seem to be the only CUC other than a few trochus snails.
Oh ya also tuxedo urchins, fantastic at algae removal, but will move frags and small rocks.
what are your no3/po4 levels, that is the easiest way to begin identifying why the algae is growing.

Not looking to solve an algae outbreak. I don’t have a huge issue. Just looking to keep it maintained. That’s why I’m only looking for livestock suggestions.

 

[DocRose]

What are your nutrient level and would lowering them be an option.

Also, I assume you are growing chaeto in your fuge?

I just introduced chaeto this week, but as I mentioned to someone else, I’m not having a huge outbreak issue. I just like having a livestock option in there that will keep it maintained for me.

 

[ilikefish69]

I gotcha. Tuxedo urchin or lawnmower blenny. 2 tuxedos in a 125 keep up with nuisance now before it becomes nuisance

Not looking to solve an algae outbreak. I don’t have a huge issue. Just looking to keep it maintained. That’s why I’m only looking for livestock suggestions.

 

[ilikefish69]

Also saltwater mollies, never kept them myself but have heard good things, and they are not very big

 

[MoshJosh]

I just introduced chaeto this week, but as I mentioned to someone else, I’m not having a huge outbreak issue. I just like having a livestock option in there that will keep it maintained for me.

Then I vote lawnmower blenny. . . oh and as said above saltwater mollies are cool.

I like blue leg hermits as well, not sure how compatible they are with your other stock though.

 

[Rick's Reviews]

Yes unfortunately there's no quick fix on algae control, it's plus 1 good meaning your aquarium is sustainable/ biological growth but you need to keep on top of growth

 

[Rick's Reviews]

You can introduce new clean up crew if you have not already but once algae growth is past a certain amount of length, they won't eat it

 

[c-horse]

Get a two spot blenny or a linear blenny. They eat algae and are comical. They are more attractive than lawn mower blennies.