First utilitarian fish

[DVal]

Setting up a 72x25x24in mixed reef. What is your favorite or recommended first utilitarian fish? I'll be adding the typical pair of clowns first. Im wanting to hold off on Tangs until later to try to avoid new addition aggression.

 

[ichthyogeek]

Well what types of utilitarianism are you aiming for? What are the "big bads" that you want to keep controlled? Will your tank have sand?

 

[DVal]

Looking to control algae. I was going to start with a yellow or white tail tang, but decided to hold off for those for a bit. There will be sand.

 

[Fishko]

I guess a lawnmower blenny could help for algae control. But for that size, i dont think it could make a big dent.

 

[argiBK]

+1 on the Lawnmower

They have so much personality. Mine keeps all sorts of algae in check and my rocks nice and clean, he’s easily my favorite fish in the tank!

 

[ichthyogeek]

I'd just wait to add the tangs, and rely on Vibrant and other algae reduction methods.

 

[Zionas]

A wrasse to eat coral pests maybe?

 

[N.Sreefer]

Molly's will consume a fair amount of algae