Fighting algae issues while maintaining SPS

[Waters]

Not sure where the best place is to post this so I will throw it in here. I have a minor hair algae issue in a SPS dominated tank. I can usually eliminate it by using a combination of running GFO, watching feedings, and using a bacteria product such as Vibrant. By doing that though, I eliminate the nutrients that the SPS need to thrive. What is the best way to fight algae issues, without affecting the coral?

 

[Cory]

In your case id get herbivores to eat it. Try a nudibrach or sea hare. Or an algae rock blenny. Snails dont like much for hair as they usually dont live long

 

[Waters]

Unfortunately I had the bright idea of keeping some bird wrasses and a trigger in my reef...no clean up crew. I did pick up a starry blenny so hopefully that helps.

 

[mtraylor]

starry blenny will help. You need some snails. They will mow it down. Turbos will do the best, but they can knock stuff over.

 

[jah4good]

I posted on another algae thread, my urchin is amazing. He's cleaned my tank out completely. I had more than a minor algae problem in my sps dominate tank

 

[Waters]

I have had both urchins and snails....both quickly became food for the small trigger and bird wrasses. I even tried a long spined urchin....lasted about 5 minutes :( I used to have some luck with large cowries but those are now eaten as well.

 

[jah4good]

I have had both urchins and snails....both quickly became food for the small trigger and bird wrasses. I even tried a long spined urchin....lasted about 5 minutes :( I used to have some luck with large cowries but those are now eaten as well.

[emoji33] urchins? I had no idea they'd go after urchins

 

[Waters]

[emoji33] urchins? I had no idea they'd go after urchins

Yeah.....they flipped it over and cleaned it out. I figured a venomous urchin be fine but I was proven wrong lol.

 

[Elegance Coral]

How big is your tank?
Adding a variety of different tangs will help clean out the algae, if the tank is big enough.

 

[Waters]

Tank is 105 gallon with a 25 gallon sump. Unfortunately the tank is already maxed out though with 7 fish. I do have one Kole tang that does help but I cannot add any additional tangs.

 

[S&SReef]

Emerald crabs do a number on hair algea for me.

 

[Waters]

Emerald crabs do a number on hair algea for me.

Unfortunately they are just a snack for my fish.....having a non-invert safe tank poses a lot of issues that you really don't think about when you first start adding fish.

 

[mtraylor]

wow. Some aggressive eaters. Maybe a nudibranch?

 

[Waters]

Never really thought about a nudibranch.....actually never really have ever seen them for sale at any of the LFS. I wonder if they would be left alone..........