hippo tangs and hair algae

frammy · 05/29/2007, 09:37 PM

i have a problem with hair algae in my 46 gal. reef tank. small percula clown, wrasse, blue chromis and tiny goby all doing great. however several areas exhibit excessive algae growth. i know a small tang would probably eat alot of my problem. what about a foxface or some other tang? i know my tank isn't large enough to support most herbivores. any suggestions re:fish or algae control?
thanks, Brian

drummereef · 05/29/2007, 09:43 PM

I wouldn't suggest adding an animal to solve any of your algae problems. I would get to the source of where the algae is coming from and deal with that first.

What are your nitrates and phosphates testing?
What is your water source, RO/DI or Tap?
What type of filtration are you using?

Kiel'thalin · 05/29/2007, 10:36 PM

Agreed, adding fish will only promote more algae growth. The type of water and filter(s) you use are important in controlling nuisance algae. Please don't justify buying a fish just because you hear they eat algae. Most grazers like tangs and foxfaces will never eat hair algae as there regular diet. Some would rather starve than touch the stuff.

05/29/2007, 09:37 PM	#1
frammy Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: se mass. Posts: 13	hippo tangs and hair algae i have a problem with hair algae in my 46 gal. reef tank. small percula clown, wrasse, blue chromis and tiny goby all doing great. however several areas exhibit excessive algae growth. i know a small tang would probably eat alot of my problem. what about a foxface or some other tang? i know my tank isn't large enough to support most herbivores. any suggestions re:fish or algae control? thanks, Brian

05/29/2007, 09:43 PM	#2
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	I wouldn't suggest adding an animal to solve any of your algae problems. I would get to the source of where the algae is coming from and deal with that first. What are your nitrates and phosphates testing? What is your water source, RO/DI or Tap? What type of filtration are you using? __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

05/29/2007, 10:36 PM	#3
Kiel'thalin Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Albany, Georgia Posts: 575	Agreed, adding fish will only promote more algae growth. The type of water and filter(s) you use are important in controlling nuisance algae. Please don't justify buying a fish just because you hear they eat algae. Most grazers like tangs and foxfaces will never eat hair algae as there regular diet. Some would rather starve than touch the stuff.