Cleanup function - without cleanup inverts?

[mrwilson]

So for all of you who have FOWLR or FO tanks (or reef tanks that include fish who eat crabs, snails, and conchs) ... what do you do for the detritus and/or algae removal function that those standard cleanup crew inverts typically perform?

 

[mattsilvester]

i keep a crew .... never a "full compliment" but a few......

those who don't rely more on natural functions...... good strong coraline growth for example will inhibit the growth of nuisance algae..... put that with pristine water quality and a decent refugium with macro, it makes if difficult for nuisance algae to grow.....

you can use fish like algae blennies and kole tangs......

and elbo grease is always an option......

..........ultimately............. its why I don't keep "crew" eating fish!

 

[mrwilson]

I'm actually more worried about detritus than algae. I have a foxface and a desjardini tang that take care of that, plus a good sized ball of chaeto and caulerpa in my fuge. Thoughts on detritus removal/export without cleanup inverts?

 

[mattsilvester]

syphon tube and/or strong flow to keep it in suspension.......

true detritus is actaully pretty harmless stuff..... if is the "end" product..... if however you refer to fish waste etc., then your tang and foxface will gladly munch on that..... sick as it sounds, and break it down......

strong flow, in my opinion, is always a good idea when cleanup crews are lacking or non existing.....