Small vegetarians

[daveverdo]

I have a variety of macros growing in my tank and want to keep them in control. I was thinking of adding fish that will eat a variety of plants. The usual suggestions of tangs or a foxface is out because I only have a 30g.

Any suggestions for a fish that will eat like a tang but be OK in a small tank.

Dave

 

[graveyardworm]

What kind of macros?

 

[Samala]

I think its good we tackle this as a broad topic actually, just to get the information out there.

Do we think Centropyge angels might make good mini herbivores? They are reported to eat some macroalgaes (though C. argi never did for me..) but perhaps the trend is more individual.

There are some blennies that will eat macroalgae, but show some marked preferences. What else can we think of that will eat macro and remains small?

Anything in the urchin, snail, fish category?

>Sarah

 

[daveverdo]

What kind of macros?

red grape
wineglass caulerpa
unidentified red (See Can anyone ID THIS red macro?)

Do we think Centropyge angels might make good mini herbivores?

I am considering a Centropyge, haven't decided on anyone yet. Possiblilites include Flame, Coral Beauty, Lemonpeel. C. argi wasn't on the list but could easily be added if it has a more varied diet then the others (It is also much cheaper). Any of those will complement the 2 false parcs that are the only current residents.

Nothing is out of control but I want to get ahead of things. I like the look of the macros in the tank so I do not want to eliminate them just keep them in check.


Dave

 

[graveyardworm]

I do not want to eliminate them just keep them in check.

I'm sure you're aware that this may be a tough bill to fill. I doubt that whatever you add to control the macros is going to stop when you want it to.

From what I read the dwarf angels are more likely to munch on microalgae. I was going to suggest a seahare, but not so sure how hungry one might be.

 

[piercho]

Diadema urchin is most reliable general grazer and can be purchased small, but will outgrow small tank in matter of months IME. I've had 2 and they both became coral nippers when they began to hit their growth limit in my 65G. And there are macros Diadema wouldn't touch in my tank. Little Mespilia stay small but are pretty sissy grazers compared to Diadema. IME with one Mespilia it would hit some reds and most calcified algae but not much else. Been trying Echnometra and still haven't decided on these. I can say that anything near their hole needs to be encrusted or bolted down or it will get pushed over.

Had two Salarius blenny over time and can't say they've hit on much macro except for short and super-soft stuff. The one I have now may be the culprit in stripping a Favia of flesh. I know everyones down on crabs now but I've seen hermits, Mithrax and Percnon grazing the same stuff a Salarius will and they might be more right-sized for a 30G. The problem with Mithrax and Percnon crabs is the same as with Diadema, IMO. One day they'll get too big in a little tank and gobble up something you'd rather they not and get chucked. At least Diadema is easy to catch.

My 2 cents for small, accessable tanks is a good vegetative filter along with hand harvest in the tank with occasional removal and wire brushing of problem areas.

 

[piercho]

I have no experience with Centropyge but by reputation they are not compatable with my smaller Tridacna clam and some of my stony coral. Several sources list the Lemonpeel as being among the worst in this regards. But if you have tough soft coral they'd probably be a safe addition. I know I've always lusted after one of those little Eibl's angels, myself. Scott Michael [Angelfishes and Butterflyfishes, 2004] lists the argi complex as being safer in reef aquariums: argi (Cherub), acanthops, aurantononotus, and resplendens.

 

[piercho]

Well, one last one, those big freaking Mexican turbos will knock down some of the more fragile Macros. I was skeptical but yes, these guys do eat Asparagopsis. I've also seen them knock out patches of soft hair algae which might have been Derbesia. Can't compete with Astrea or Stomatella in my tank over the long haul though, and eventually starve.