which herbivore to get?

[bawla47]

i want to get either a foxface, or a algae eating blenny.

i have a bad algae problem, with all sorts of algae growing in the tank, grape caulerpa, feather, hair, and a few others.


would a foxface do a better job completely taking it all out vs the blenny? or will the blenny just take a little longer?

the only dilemna, is this is going to be temporary for the foxface in this tank, but the blenny would stay, i just am not sure if he will eat all of the other algaes and not be picky.

the foxface would be small, and STRICTLY temporary.

anyhow appreciate the help,
Jaymie

 

[NanoKat]

In my experience with about 4 "algae eating" or "lawnmower" blennies, they don't make much of a dent on the stuff on the lower portion of the rocks. They tend to eat off of the glass more and even that more of the upper portions. If that's what you need, it may be good for you. I have been told that the FoxFace would be an awesome algae grazer, although I haven't had one, so I don't know first hand. I have a slight problem also right now and have been looking for a tiny FoxFace to help me out. I think it was Living Reef on Dixie Hwy in Fort Lauderdale that said they occassionaly get small ones in.

 

[Bret61081]

I had the same problem Jaymie...and I got a small foxface about 2-3" and he had it all cleaned up in about a week! I thought the same thing...get it...fatten it up and return it! But I am thinking I might keep it since I am going to look at a bigger tank tomorrow. They actually have a lot of personality and eat tons of algae! I got one of these guys but a lot smaller!

http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?ddid=11172&siteid=20

 

[bawla47]

thats what i was thinking! but i wanted to try to put him in my 100 gallon if he works out, but im scared that my powder blue will try and attack it, and die?

you guys think he will sense the foxfaces poison, or is there a chance? sorry for being off topic.. lol

 

[Ryanqk]

carefull adding any new fish with that powder blue, thats what usually does em in, that one last fish.....

 

[Rogger Castells]

Jaimie, I have a Magnificent Foxface and pound per pound this fish is an awesome algae eating fish, it is eating all day all kinds of algae, it outbeats the blenny by far.
Don't worry about him not getting alone with any other fish, they pack a very toxic dorsal spine that they have no problem displaying and using against other fish, needless to say most fishes will leave them alone from the get go.
I am currentely looking for another smaller Magnificent foxface

 

[Flamehawk]

Need to attack the problem at the source, not just a clean up crew. Need to keep phosphates, silicates and nitrates down. Use only the purest RO/DI water, use RowaPhos, use macroalgea THEN rely on your clean up crew to keep algea non existant.

For Bryopis the best is the lettuce nudibranch.
For true hair algea I like the true Scarlet Hermits, tangs like Desjardini will eat hair and bubble and so will the Fox Face as you mention.
For diatoms, atreas and lawnmower blenny.

Hope this helps, JOHNNY

 

[astrogazer]

I too had a problem, especially with the grape caulerpa, it snock into my tank and grew like crazy in the display, I got two tangs hoping they would get the problem under control, no go. Then I picked up a Magnificent Foxface, all was gone in less than a week, absolutely amazing. Good luck.

 

[hawkeye31657]

what a wonderful day it is when you was thinking on I need a fish to help in my tank and we share and find out I was going to buy the wrong fish and thanks all for shooting me strat. And by the way I will be in St. Pete's on the 18 till the 23 and hope to visit a few of your stores there while I am there