Algae eating fish for a nano-reef

[lohitha]

Perhaps we have discussed this topic before. I just want to collate a list of algae eating fishes suitable for a nano-reef about 30 gallons.. This is my list. Please feel free to add more. Not in any particular order. Of course I will skip the tangs because tangs are not for nano reefs.

 

1. Hector's goby

 

Pros: Beautiful fish. Stays small. Does not go after coral.

Cons: Feeding may be a problem once algae is gone. Some can be shy.

 

2. Reinford goby:

 

Same as above

 

3. Tailspot blenny:

 

Pros: Another beauty. Stays small. Does not go after coral.

Cons: None yet.

 

4. Bi-color blenny:

 

Pros: Looks good. Stays relatively small.

Cons: Can go after SPS and some fleshy coral.

 

5. Lawnmower blenny:

 

Pros: Eats algae when small

Cons: Not colorful. Gets too big. Becomes lazy when old.

 

6. Freshwater Molly

 

Pros: Cheap.

Cons: You need to acclimate to salt water.

 

Please add your selection for algae controlling fish for a mixed nano reef. We can perhaps keep this list going. Thanks!

[Seamonkey84]

I have a tailspot blenny and he's awsome, lots of character.

[patback]

Haven't tried it yet, but Jedi says his Molly is vorocious when it comes to hair algae.

[lohitha]

Well.. I guess I will list the molly as well. I am not sure how hard it is to acclimate to salt water.

[Seamonkey84]

Yes mollies do eat alot of algae. Not hard to aclimate really, I drip acclimated mine, treated it like a water hangs as it did take almost two gallons out of my ten gallon when I first started it. That said, years past I use to feed baby and small mollies to lions and the ones that didn't get eaten right away survived no problem, not one lost with out being eaten. Not that I would recommend doing that to something you want as an addition to the tank.

[lohitha]

Well.. Any other suggestions for algae eating fish?

[GhoSt3366]

My starry blenny has alot of character and eats alot of algae .

[lakshwadeep]

Blennies are good choices. You might also think about a dwarf angel (specifically a cherub, Centropyge argi). Hector's/Rainford's gobies are bad choices because they won't make a significant dent on any algae. They really shouldn't be on the list.