caulpera taxifolia

[johnrt]

I have this algae which hitched in to my tank via some l/r with soft coral on. It is becoming a big problem and can grow about 1cm per day.
Maunual removal is difficult and only ends up spreading the algae around the tank, as it can grown from the smallest filament or shard.
Does anyone have any tips on what may eat this stuff or ways to control it.
I have read that a hairy colored pincushion urchin is reccommended to control caulpera but I am based in the UK and I don't beleive they are available here.
I have also been advised a tang will eat this but I have a 2x2x2 cube, too small for a tang.

 

[johnrt]

Futher reasearch I have found this at a UK store - is it the above names urchin?

http://fishmansfrags.co.uk/index.ph...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=44

 

[johnrt]

anybody?

 

[goldmaniac]

a tang would do fine in 2 x 2 x 2, as long as he's not too huge... for a 'smaller' tank like yours, I'd suggest a hippo tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) or a Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus) or a favorite of mine that i actually have NOT owned, an Achilles Tang (Acanthurus achilles) - Achilles are beauties and would do ok in a 2x2x2.
Of course, you can always get the cheapest tang out there, probably a Yellow Tang. All of these guys would do well if they were 3" length or less. Less is more, cheaper too.

Good luck!!

Otherwise, maybe a dwarf angel? i don't know how much they eat caulerpa. my Flame Angel likes caulerpa, sometimes.

G.

 

[Edge]

My cherub constantly picks at my caulerpa. Keeps it mowed and looking tidy.

ED

 

[johnrt]

I have introduced a small Regal Tang, who has to my knowledge totally ignored the above algae. I have let him off though as he has quicky become my favourite fish.
Still considering the urchin, I also gave a fair amount of hair algae, both soft and tough stuff.

Nitrates are reading 10ppm and phosphates 0. I am not convinced my phosphates are truly that low, but the algae is mopping it up. I have set up a phosphate reactor to combat this.

Thoughts on the urchin?