emeralds or hermits?

[footballdude2k3]

i am having a bit of a hair algae problem, i was wondering if hermits or emeralds would be better for it...thoughts?

 

[Kbra]

Use both

 

[jordan3548]

Get a Lawnmower blenny lol for like 10 bucks youll never have hair algae again

 

[footballdude2k3]

i was thinking about a lawnmower....however my tank is only a 40b, and while i am in the upgrade planning stages, realistically i will not be able to upgrade to a 6 foot for at least 2 years

 

[Wy Renegade]

Hermits are much more effective on hair algae than emeralds. Emeralds with help with bubble algae, but seldom, if ever, bother with hair algae. That said, however, you should also try and find and eliminate the reason for the hair algae.

 

[CHALICEKEEPER]

I WOULD GET A SEA HARE THEY CLEAN UP FAST. Have you tried phosphate remover?? If you have any chalices beware of the emerald crab.

 

[footballdude2k3]

i agree that i need to address the problem with the hair algae, i am currently running sumpless, in the next couple weeks i am going to get a sump going and have some macro algae running and then get a skimmer as well, so i am planning on addressing those issues asap

 

[footballdude2k3]

i also started running GFO and it has slowed down how much it was taking over when that went in the water.

 

[jordan3548]

You can put a Lawnmower Blenny in a 40B they are only like 2-3 inches long lol

 

[Wy Renegade]

You can put a Lawnmower Blenny in a 40B they are only like 2-3 inches long lol

The problems with lawnmower Blennys are multiple; Often times in smaller tanks they will starve after they consume the available algae. Additionally, while they start smaller, they eventually (given proper food and care) grow larger than that. Unless you plan on maintaining a algae supply to keep the bleeny alive and happy, I don't recommend them.

 

[footballdude2k3]

i have seen lawnmowers get 5-6 inches long

 

[gar732]

I've seen sea hares get past around. Once they consume all of the algae they get past over to another tank. If you check with a local reef club you might be able to find one.

 

[IHOP]

I second the sea hare option. They do a great job and then you can pass them along when your done with it.

 

[CONSTANTNE]

I have had emeralds picking at zoas and birdsnest polyps too. Try to borrow a sea hare from someone or a LFS.