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Unread 04/21/2018, 08:11 AM   #1
dweebiii
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Algae eater in predator tank?

I have two tanks now... a 120 reef tank, and a 60 cube, which I've just started as a saltwater predator tank.

The only predator I have is a 1.5" Clown Trigger, and anticipate adding a grouper and eel (adding them when very small).

Starting to see some hair algae in that pred tank now, and am turning the lights off most of the time.

But, that got me thinking: couldn't I put a larger hippo tank (I have one in my reef tank) to take care of that, if even on a temporary basis?

The clown trigger is very small, and only been in there for 2 weeks. I don't THINK he'd be too nippy.

Also looking for fun, colorful suggestions for the predator tank.


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Unread 04/21/2018, 01:36 PM   #2
mike61289
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Fish rarely eat hair algae. A foxface might go for it, but there's no guarantee. Hippo tang definitely won't because it's a planktivore.

The best hair algae eaters are sea urchins, but I have a feeling your trigger would eat the urchin.

Your best bet is to keep up the water changes, ensure your skimmer is working well, and reduce the amount of food you are giving your fish. The hair algae is growing off of excess phosphates and nitrates in the water, which are only there because there is either leftover food in the tank post-feeding or because the water needs to be changed more often.


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Unread 04/27/2018, 11:24 AM   #3
scooter31707
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I've had some success with my Foxface, but it's not guaranteed they all will. Also had some success with my Starry Blenny.


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Unread 04/27/2018, 04:48 PM   #4
SoloChromis
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Rabbitfish


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60g Macro Algae & Gorgonian Dominated Reef Cube & 20g (Peacock) Mantis Tank

Current Tank Info: 60g Caribbean-esque Reef (2'x2'x2'), 10g Quarantine
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Unread 05/02/2018, 09:15 AM   #5
shrimpinator123
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dweebiii View Post
I have two tanks now... a 120 reef tank, and a 60 cube, which I've just started as a saltwater predator tank.

The only predator I have is a 1.5" Clown Trigger, and anticipate adding a grouper and eel (adding them when very small).

Starting to see some hair algae in that pred tank now, and am turning the lights off most of the time.

But, that got me thinking: couldn't I put a larger hippo tank (I have one in my reef tank) to take care of that, if even on a temporary basis?

The clown trigger is very small, and only been in there for 2 weeks. I don't THINK he'd be too nippy.

Also looking for fun, colorful suggestions for the predator tank.

That tank is going to need an upgrade, min tank size on a clown trigger is 300 gals.


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