I need a herbivore for a 40 breeder...thinking about rotating small tangs

[cody6766]

I know the general wisdom is "hell no, no way." I don't plan on this being a permanent fixture in the tank though. My 40 breeder is set up with 2 rock pillars and a ton of swimming space. The tang (or other caulurpa munching herbivore) woudl share the tank with a pair of small clarkiis, a ywg, a small, very benign yellow tail damsel and a yellow coris wrasse. I would shop for a small fish and keep it until it started to look like it wasn't getting the swimming it needs. I would anticipate 6 mos to a year for this, right? After that time it'd go to a LFS or another reefer...or possibly my 90g tank if I set it up in the future. I'm not really planning on that though.

So, what is the typical success rate in a 3' tank with plenty of swimming space for a very young tang? What options do I have for caulurpa control aside from a tang?

 

[Toddrtrex]

First, I wouldn't count on any tang eating caulerpa, would be better with either manual removal, and/or even trying an urchin.

Second, would be hard pressed to find a healthy tang small enough to last 6 months -- at best. The small/younger ones grow at shockingly fast rate.

Lastly, catching a fish every 6 months in a set up reef tank would be a big PITA, and would be stressful for both you and the fish. And you might become attached to the fish.

 

[zachfishman]

Lastly, catching a fish every 6 months in a set up reef tank would be a big PITA, and would be stressful for both you and the fish.

+1 I keep telling myself, "no matter how small the yellow/scopas/kole tang, don't buy it for the 29g! Even though I'm in desperate need of a good grazer.

 

[sevendigitcake]

how about a lawnmower blenny (Salarias fasciatus)?

 

[Korrine]

you could read from here and see what's suggested

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/caulerpacomp.htm

 

[Jhockey]

I've had lawnmower/starry blennies that ate just as much if not more algae then my tangs.

 

[noobtothereef]

i have a blenny that wont eat anything other than nori....... wont touch h.a. i need to trade him in for a newer more algea friendly model...

 

[small alien]

Adding a new problem to your old problem isn't much of a solution. Manual removal.

 

[Just2Many]

Isn't the Blue/ Hippo Tang a slow grower? Also what about a foxface?

 

[small alien]

Animals rarely make good magic bullets.

 

[small alien]

double post

 

[milhous3er]

With the 2 clarkiis and the yellow coris wrasse, aren't you about up in terms of bio load ?? Add your damsel (small bioload) and possibly a tang (large bioload) and you might be asking for alittle trouble.

 

[noobtothereef]

With the 2 clarkiis and the yellow coris wrasse, aren't you about up in terms of bio load ?? Add your damsel (small bioload) and possibly a tang (large bioload) and you might be asking for alittle trouble.

no kidding, tangs are swimming turd factories..... thats not going to help the hair algea any........

 

[Fretfreak13]

Get a sea hare. Nothing mows down algea like those suckers.

 

[small alien]

True but they have special requirements to be aware of. Do your research before getting one.

 

[Korrine]

how about a fuzzy chiton?

n/m don't think they will eat calurpa.

 

[keith sprague]

try a one spot foxface. most unbelievable herbivore ive ever had.im on my second one only because i lost my first to my maxi jet.but the second acts the same way as the first.what a glutten always fat and picking.craps like a horse LOL...most underated herbivore IMO.

 

[Toddrtrex]

try a one spot foxface. most unbelievable herbivore ive ever had.im on my second one only because i lost my first to my maxi jet.but the second acts the same way as the first.what a glutten always fat and picking.craps like a horse LOL...most underated herbivore IMO.

That all might be true, but, IMO, still a poor choice for a 40 breeder.

 

[small alien]

you could read from here and see what's suggested

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/caulerpacomp.htm

Is the OP still around? Did they read this link?

What animals WILL eat caulerpa for the record?

This thread is getting on my nerves, and yet, I continue.:frog:

 

[keith sprague]

That all might be true, but, IMO, still a poor choice for a 40 breeder.

true for the long haul.but ill have a 75 gallon by then.but if your only in it to work him for a while it wont be a prob to trade at your LFS or something.mine will be a keeper very effective and docile fish.plus others wont bully him around due to their defence's.