Algae eater with pipes???

[Capt_Cully]

can you guys recommend either invert or fish that is a good algae grazer that won't harrass pipes.

 

[Bluespot22]

lawnmower blenny

 

[pledosophy]

Lawn Mower Blennies are to aggressive to keep with pipes IMO. They get very territorial as they get bigger and established in a system.

Astea Snails
Turbo's
Cerith will help to avoid build up
Pencil Urchins

IMO

 

[Bluespot22]

really? I heard they are ok with seahorses, so I thought they would be ok with pipes.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I've seen those things get nasty. I was thinking of getting one, but thought perhaps there'd be a better alternative. I've got a small clean up crew in there and they are keeping most of it clean. But, there are a few problem spots. I know a Kole tang would take it down in 30 seconds, but a tang and pipes=Trouble!

 

[pledosophy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13164656#post13164656 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bluespot22
really? I heard they are ok with seahorses, so I thought they would be ok with pipes.

A lawn mower blenny will kill a seahorse. Have seen it.

 

[pledosophy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13164699#post13164699 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Capt_Cully
I've seen those things get nasty. I was thinking of getting one, but thought perhaps there'd be a better alternative. I've got a small clean up crew in there and they are keeping most of it clean. But, there are a few problem spots. I know a Kole tang would take it down in 30 seconds, but a tang and pipes=Trouble!

As much of a Kole fan as I am (see avatar) mine never touches the HA. Lazy fish I tell you.

If your not using powerheads or a CL with an in display intake, you could do a dwarf seahare. Kinda cool little critter. A lettuce nudi would be good for that too.

 

[paytonv]

I have a Blue Tuxedo Urchin (reef safe) and would also recommend either a female Emerald crab (males are aggressive) or a small Sally Lightfoot crab. I had a pretty bad green hair algae outbreak and these critters definitely cleaned the entire tank and didn't bother anything else (model citizens). I would suggest some nori for supplemental feeding after they take care of your algae.

 

[urbanrat84]

I second the Pencil Urchin - they have big appetites. Won't keep the algae completely at bay though.

 

[Ralph ATL]

Top crown snail, turbo snail, tangs, tuxedo urchin, & gfo.

 

[danfrith]

What size tank?

 

[gatorolsen]

just algae or hair algae?

I have some large turbo snails that do a great job on the rocks and glass - I esp. like the black and white striped large turbos i've seen different names but my lfs calls them zebra mexican turbos

I have a yellow headed sleeper goby that routinely cleans my sand, along w/ blue-legged hermits and some nassarius snails to keep debris down.

Gatorolsen