Good fish to help with initial algae bloom?

ts383 · 04-10-2006, 08:15 AM

My tank is relatively new (about 5-6 weeks past the initial cycle of adding live rock and waiting, and waiting, and waiting

)

It's a 55-gal w/ about 55lbs of Fuji LR and 45 lbs of crushed coral substate, currently housing a dozen snails or so, 2 perc clowns, and 1 yellow tang. As expected, I have seen alot of brownish algae growing over the LR and on the substrate...it seems to have stabilized with the introduction of some powerheards on a wave timer, and regular water changes, as I'm beginning to look for one more fish to add, I wanted to know if there was a fish that might feed on this type of algae initially, and then other types that may grow / veggie supplements.

Any suggestions?

trying it again · 04-10-2006, 08:52 AM

You could try a Angel(lemon peel)or lawnmower blenny for starters

Bruce · 04-10-2006, 10:33 AM

since your tank is young...i wouldnt be adding fish to fight off the early algae blooms...that will just cause more problems...wait it out...beggining algae blooms happen to all of us

ts383 · 04-10-2006, 10:54 AM

Thanks for the feedback...I've heard that angels can be somewhat difficult, so I was a bit weary of adding one.

To be a bit more clear, I wasn't looking for a fish to wipe out the initial bloom, but in thinking for the future, a bit better of a "cleanup-crew" couldn't hurt, and thought it might not be a bad idea to start down that road now.

trying it again · 04-10-2006, 06:10 PM

I have a coral beauty angel and its no problem but he's not much of a grazer...as for the difficulty with angels I guess it's what species you get, as far as care level goes..The dwarf ones seem like a hardy species...I suggested the lemon peel only from what I read about it grazing from this site http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11...ot_parent_id=4
But then again it reads the same for the coral beauty , for grazing on algae

Jason McKenzie · 04-10-2006, 08:45 PM

I would wait. Your tank needs time to recover from the 3 fish you have added already. But when you do add another I would go for a Blenny of some sort. They are great fish to watch. I've had a bicolour and a midas. Both great fun fish.

J

Jay · 04-10-2006, 08:47 PM

I second the Coral Beauty. They are great fish. Tons of personality and they are always cruzing n and out of the rock work. Also friendly to other tankmates.

Jay

rickzter · 04-10-2006, 10:08 PM

Keep up with the water changes, it will go away.