Safest Reef Rabbit?

[lakereef]

Looking for suggestions on a rabbit fish that is the most reef safe, but still eats BHA. I picked up a java rabbitfish a few weeks ago and it ignored all types of hair algae in my tank, but still loved flake and nori. I stopped feeding it in hopes it would reconsider the algae and then it started chowing down on my milli and acros in the tank.

Open to suggestions. I really need a safe fish that eats algae. I have a 60g, but lots of extra water in my system. Probably around 200g total.

I already have a Kole tang, who pretty much just kisses the glass.

Not looking for suggestions at this time on how to lower phosphates as I've already found what was causing my higher phosphates in my source water. It's been a couple months and the algae is still a problem as it has a strong foothold.

 

[jda]

Magnificent Foxface ate the most type of algae for me, including bryopsis and bubble. They are typically too big for a 60G tank.

None of them are guaranteed reef safe, but they are somewhat OK. They are about the same as tangs IMO - those are not completely reef safe either.

 

[lakereef]

Yes I realize they get quite large and will need to sell it once it grows. There's also a chance I may upgrade my tank size.


Just looking for worker for now to cleanup and get ahead of the algae.

 

[DopeCantWin]

Yes I realize they get quite large and will need to sell it once it grows. There's also a chance I may upgrade my tank size.


Just looking for worker for now to cleanup and get ahead of the algae.

Remember they're also going to put waste right back into the tank, causing that same algae to grow back. I'd recommend you find out what is the cause of your algae rather than put a band aid on it. From my personal experience with several foxfaces, they need a minimum 125 gallon tank.

 

[lakereef]

Remember they're also going to put waste right back into the tank, causing that same algae to grow back. I'd recommend you find out what is the cause of your algae rather than put a band aid on it. From my personal experience with several foxfaces, they need a minimum 125 gallon tank.

Yeah not what I asked. I did find the source and have fixed it. There were phosphates making it through my DI resin because of high amount of co2 in my well water.

I am looking for a rabbit to clean up existing mess of algae.

 

[DopeCantWin]

Yeah not what I asked. I did find the source and have fixed it. There were phosphates making it through my DI resin because of high amount of co2 in my well water.

I am looking for a rabbit to clean up existing mess of algae.

The Kole isn't eating it? Do you know the species of algae?

 

[lakereef]

The Kole isn't eating it? Do you know the species of algae?

Kole just kisses the glass and steals any food I put in the tank. I can't even feed my sun coral without that fish coming and taking it.

It's Brown hair algae.

Probably hard to see, but the rock in the front is covered in it and constantly overtaking the zoos.

 

[DopeCantWin]

Nice tank. Could you try and take a closer picture of the algae? Like right next to it.

 

[lakereef]

Nice tank. Could you try and take a closer picture of the algae? Like right next to it.

I'm not next to it, this is the best I can do. I've had other reefers look at it and confirm its BHA.

 

[DopeCantWin]

I'm not next to it, this is the best I can do. I've had other reefers look at it and confirm its BHA.

If you're absolutely sure. Could you make sure it isn't Bryopsis?

Check out http://www.reefcleaners.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=60

If you're still sure you'd like a foxface, I'd get a One Spot http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+1926+2704&pcatid=2704, they grow a little smaller.

 

[lakereef]

I'm absolutely positive it's not bryopsis.

I was looking for people's real hand experience if one was less apt to nip corals than others.

 

[jda]

Emerald crabs will crush it too. If you don't get a rabbit, then 2 of these would be good. It might take them a month or two to get to most of it, but they will get there.

Any rabbit is a risk, but many of the same kind will be OK for some. IME, they don't tend to go for coral as long as they are well fed and stuff.

 

[lakereef]

Emerald crabs will crush it too. If you don't get a rabbit, then 2 of these would be good. It might take them a month or two to get to most of it, but they will get there.

Any rabbit is a risk, but many of the same kind will be OK for some. IME, they don't tend to go for coral as long as they are well fed and stuff.

Thanks for the tip. I plan on trying emeralds again. I bought a few a while back, the red Mithrax crab that went right over and started chewing down on my scroll coral. I moved them to the refug which I watched them eat a Kenya tree despite being hair and flame algae right there too. I think I'm cursed. Hoping the emeralds will help.

 

[tcmfish]

I have had a lot of rabbits nibble coral. I would get some Tuxedo Urchins. They eat most any algae. If you are dead set on getting a rabbit though, the doliatus are my favorite.