Need a "clean up crew" of FISH... suggestions?

[ladybug5234]

I am looking for a couple of fish that can help me clean up the Florida live rock I just purchased through a well known vendor. I was expecting Atlantic rock and instead got 50 lbs of algae-infested rock, albeit some of the green stuff is desirable and paletable algae to grazers. The tank is a 65 gallon, and once done there the fish would be rehomed to a 250 gallon if needed. Any suggestions on what fish I can get that can munch on this stuff? And yes, I already have about 150 blue legs at work. Any other inverts you suggest? Thanks in advance!

 

[skibum9884]

I'd recommend a small rabbit fish, they'll certainly outgrow a 65, but should be ok in a 250.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Lawnmower blenny would be a good choice. Stays fairly small, under 4-5" and excellent grazers.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I second the rabbitfish. Also, as far as inverts go, urchins (pincushion or tuxedo) can't be beat.

 

[ladybug5234]

Surprisingly when I got home today I saw a slight improvement. I guess the cuc is hard at work after all. Nevertheless, I'm getting a small tang & lawnmower blenny soon. I'll hold off on the fox face for a little while. I know they're good at eating algae, but I just can't get past how ugly they are (to me anyway).

Yesterday:

Today:

 

[reefjunkie42]

maybe a good scrubbing would help

 

[ladybug5234]

Actually I was thinking I'm going to take the rocks out of the tank & brush the cr@p out*of them, but I'm afraid of setting some sort of a cycle off... Opinions???

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I'll hold off on the fox face for a little while. I know they're good at eating algae, but I just can't get past how ugly they are (to me anyway).

There are rabbitfish other than foxfaces that are quite attractive:

 

[sacremon]

bristletooth tangs are good cleanup crews as well.