Dumb idea/ hair algae

[Saltybumfuzzle_]

I already know this is probably just a stupid idea, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to get other opinions just to see. I have a tail spot blenny and he eats great, no problems at all, but I can tell he wants to forage. My tank is practically brand new (2 months) so I have no algae. But in Florida, I live near a lagoon that is full of pebbles and rocks of all sizes with hair algae on them. I was thinking about possibly taking a nickel size pebble once in a while and freezing, or boiling it with the hair algae on it and placing it in the tank for a short period of time, less than an hour. I guess I'm just curious to know others' thoughts on this.

If that's just a dumb idea, I guess I could just buy a nori clip. I know that won't be as enriching, just picking it off the clip the boring way, as opposed to "grazing" for it. Not that he has any issues eating, I guess the nori would be better than nothing if the algae is a bad idea. I technically don't have to do anything, but I feel like it'd be enjoyable for him to fulfill his natural urges to graze for algae haha

 

[Tahoe61]

In all likelihood the algae would break up if frozen. There are hobbyist that introduce algae and inverts from the wild. It's thought such collection may enhance the system's biome and diversity.
Personally I don't introduce wild algae or inverts. I have seen parasitic arthropods and other pest when collecting.
You could get algae wafers or tie Nori to rocks though.

 

[Quietman]

Not sure if nori is that much worse than GHA for fish considering I'm sure you're supplementing with pellets (or should be). What I am sure about is GHA isn't something you need to add. It'll show up on it's own, just give it time. There will be more than enough to go around.

You could get a ATS and have a built if food supply (and nutrient control).

 

[Saltybumfuzzle_]

In all likelihood the algae would break up if frozen. There are hobbyist that introduce algae and inverts from the wild. It's thought such collection may enhance the system's biome and diversity.
Personally I don't introduce wild algae or inverts. I have seen parasitic arthropods and other pest when collecting.
You could get algae wafers or tie Nori to rocks though.

The breakdown is another thing I was thinking of also. I was considering boiling for that reason, which would (hopefully) still “sterilize” everything

I did add wild blue legs and nassaruis snails, but just because I didn’t want to pay $10 for 4-6 of them that are about the size of my pinky nail. I also couldn’t find them that size in stock anyway haha

 

[exnisstech]

You could attached some nori to a small rock or frag plug with a rubber band to make it more natural to eat from vs a clip. Its what I do for urchins, snails and stars when they need supplemental feeding

 

[vetteguy53081]

I already know this is probably just a stupid idea, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to get other opinions just to see. I have a tail spot blenny and he eats great, no problems at all, but I can tell he wants to forage. My tank is practically brand new (2 months) so I have no algae. But in Florida, I live near a lagoon that is full of pebbles and rocks of all sizes with hair algae on them. I was thinking about possibly taking a nickel size pebble once in a while and freezing, or boiling it with the hair algae on it and placing it in the tank for a short period of time, less than an hour. I guess I'm just curious to know others' thoughts on this.

If that's just a dumb idea, I guess I could just buy a nori clip. I know that won't be as enriching, just picking it off the clip the boring way, as opposed to "grazing" for it. Not that he has any issues eating, I guess the nori would be better than nothing if the algae is a bad idea. I technically don't have to do anything, but I feel like it'd be enjoyable for him to fulfill his natural urges to graze for algae haha

This fish needs algae in its diet but also needs meats. A good couple of foods would be LRS nano frenzy, tdo pellets and brine shrimp as well as small plankton

 

[Saltybumfuzzle_]

Not sure if nori is that much worse than GHA for fish considering I'm sure you're supplementing with pellets (or should be). What I am sure about is GHA isn't something you need to add. It'll show up on it's own, just give it time. There will be more than enough to go around.

You could get a ATS and have a built if food supply (and nutrient control).

I do agree, but I was considering the boiling or freezing to basically kill it, so it won’t spread into the tank.

But yeah, he eats perfectly fine. I was trying to just add some “natural stimulation” haha

 

[commod0re]

Run white lights longer during the day and you’ll have green algae in there in no time

 

[56longroof]

Dead algea turns to mush so I don't think boiling or freezing would work.

 

[Saltybumfuzzle_]

Dead algea turns to mush so I don't think boiling or freezing would work.

Yeah, I kinda figured there might not be a way around that

 

[Saltybumfuzzle_]

Run white lights longer during the day and you’ll have green algae in there in no time

We don't want that :grinning-face-with-sweat: