Hair Algae Cleanup in a Predator Tank?

dfleary · #1 05/26/2007, 12:57 PM

What could I put in a predator tank for hair algae clean-up, that wouldn't just turn into fish food? I have a Harlequin Tuskfish, Bird Wrasse and a very big, healthy Tassled Filefish (the uncontested ruler of the tank), and I'm sure they'd make very quick work of snails.

As it is, I limit the amount of lights-on time, and take a toothbrush to rocks periodically, to keep the hair algae down.

Thanks for any input.

NickP123 · #2 05/26/2007, 01:21 PM

I've seen large turbo in my lfs. they're roughly the size of golfballs. I know they work wonders on hair algae. do you think your fish would be able to kill something that size?

ChrisB · #3 05/26/2007, 01:21 PM

Have you tried THIS?

I would before adding any critters to a predator tank.

Sk8r · #4 05/26/2007, 01:29 PM

Depending on the size of the other fish, a large tang might take care of himself, but I'd consult a compatibility list to be sure.

antonsemrad · #5 05/26/2007, 01:32 PM

Try this

illcssd · #6 05/26/2007, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ChrisB
Have you tried THIS?

I would before adding any critters to a predator tank.

This is meant only for bryopsis, it won't work on hair algae.

ChrisB · #7 05/26/2007, 04:11 PM

oops, you're right, my bad, I get the two mixed up....

dfleary · #8 05/26/2007, 04:26 PM

Thank you all for your input!

I've considered large turbo snails, but am afraid that one well-placed bite from that filefish would do the snail in. The filefish has a very strong bite (I know from personal experience), and she could easily take a chunk of mollusc meat in an instant.

I didn't realize that the long spine urchin would be able to fend itself off. I'll give it a try. I think they're pretty cool looking anyway!

davefan13 · #9 05/26/2007, 06:07 PM

try this - http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11...ot_parent_id=4

it is a "hermit crab with anemone". they are hermit crabs with anemonies on their shells. i bet that they could fend themselves off.

JStorey · #10 05/26/2007, 10:22 PM

I have one in my FOWLR about the size of a baseball. It is mostly nocturnal and does a great job scavenging leftover food but doesn't do much for algae control. They definitely hold their own and no one bothers him. In fact he ate my 2 chocolate chip stars one leg at a time.

dfleary · #11 05/30/2007, 10:10 PM

I bought two from a local aquarium shop yesterday, though they haven't moved far from their original positions yet. Let's hope they fare well.

dfleary · #12 05/31/2007, 11:51 AM

Ok, it's been 3 days. One of the urchins has moved about 2 feet; the other hasn't moved at all. Is this anything to worry about? What's a sign an urchin is dead? Just spines dropping?