Foxface compatibility 75g

[willy00]

Hi Everyone, I’m looking for opinions on adding a one spot foxface to my 75 g mixed reef. My original stocking list is complete but have a significant amount of hair algae that’s not being taken care of with my other inhabitants and seeking another option. Tank is 8 months old and I’m trying not to disrupt the peace but want this GHA eliminated. Let me know if you think adding this fish is a good idea or not!

Current stock:
Clownfish, firefish, springeri damsel, ornate leopard wrasse, yellow Cori’s wrasse, lawnmower blenny, white tail bristle tooth tang, Mexican turbo snails, emerald crabs, hermits, 2 conch.

Alk 8.5 NO3 8.0 PO4 .02

 

[Rob A]

It should be fine they get big a fat quick and will eat any algae but you gotta mow it down first it won't eat long hairs. You won't be able to add anymore big fish in a 75.

 

[Tahoe61]

I think it would be fine. Your scape is nice and open. They are funny drama queen fish.

 

[xzt]

I have only ever seen foxface rabbitfish fighting and chasing each other, and only among individuals of the same species.

 

[willy00]

It should be fine they get big a fat quick and will eat any algae but you gotta mow it down first it won't eat long hairs. You won't be able to add anymore big fish in a 75.

Ya I think that’s been part of the issue with blenny and tang, they will only pick the short stuff and film…

 

[willy00]

What do you all think about a 2 barred rabbitfish instead of a one spot foxface? I know the two barred can get large, but also think the tank size would limit growth with either species...

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

I know the two barred can get large, but also think the tank size would limit growth with either species...

From what I understand, fish don't stop growing to fit the tank they are in. Small tanks can cause stunting and other health problems.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Hi Everyone, I’m looking for opinions on adding a one spot foxface to my 75 g mixed reef. My original stocking list is complete but have a significant amount of hair algae that’s not being taken care of with my other inhabitants and seeking another option. Tank is 8 months old and I’m trying not to disrupt the peace but want this GHA eliminated. Let me know if you think adding this fish is a good idea or not!

Current stock:
Clownfish, firefish, springeri damsel, ornate leopard wrasse, yellow Cori’s wrasse, lawnmower blenny, white tail bristle tooth tang, Mexican turbo snails, emerald crabs, hermits, 2 conch.

Alk 8.5 NO3 8.0 PO4 .02

If it was me, I'd scrub the rocks with a stiff brush and siphon away the algae. Add more CUC and let them tackle what remains. This will most likely need to be repeated a few times.

 

[Rob A]

What do you all think about a 2 barred rabbitfish instead of a one spot foxface? I know the two barred can get large, but also think the tank size would limit growth with either species...

Tank size and starving will not limit growth. Fish grow continuously regardless of tank size

 

[willy00]

Tank size and starving will not limit growth. Fish grow continuously regardless of tank size

Fair point, and I'm simply trying to find the best solution to this issue, which is why I was asking about the foxface in the first place. I'm not trying to put a large fish in a small tank and starve it... But a fox face and 2 barred rabbit are quite similar and people don't seem to have issues with the idea of the fox face. None of these fish have as much space as the ocean but the adult size of any given fish is variable based on genetics and water quality

 

[exnisstech]

but also think the tank size would limit growth with either species...

IME large fish never grow to wild size in my tanks but stunting growth is not healthy. I have a naso tang that's been in for 10 years and she is nowhere near 18" and is closer to 9" but she appears very healthy.

 

[willy00]

IME large fish never grow to wild size in my tanks but stunting growth is not healthy. I have a naso tang that's been in for 10 years and she is nowhere near 18" and is closer to 9" but she appears very healthy.

I think this is a good example of what I was getting at... In general, it would be more useful to know the average size of a fish as opposed to the maximum. Only 1% of fish are in the 99th percentile for growth.

So a better question for the gallery:

Is an average 2 barred rabbitfish likely to grow too large for a 75g?

Quality marine says average size is 6-8" while live aquaria says 11"

 

[christinna77]

Have you tried mollies? They're really great algae eaters!

 

[willy00]

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[willy00]

Have you tried mollies? They're really great algae eaters!

I have heard about them as an algae control option! Do they actually eat hair algae? And is there a specific type that adapt well to saltwater?

 

[W31Olds]

Most grazing Fish will not touch GHA. I have a large Foxface and he never eats it. My Tangs and Lawnmower Blenny won't either as they prefer short Turf Algae. Once it gets long it's too bitter.

 

[vlangel]

I have a one spot foxface in a standard 75g and its working well. I do not have gha and never have but the foxface went in the tank early on so it probably didn't let gha get a foothold. I don't have any tangs, but I did have combtooth blennies and it was ok. My scape is similar to yours too.

 

[christinna77]

I have heard about them as an algae control option! Do they actually eat hair algae? And is there a specific type that adapt well to saltwater?

Sailfins are a pretty safe option, and yes, they should eat any kind of algae, but as others have said, you'll need to trim it down first. Here you can see them in action:

 

[The Ugly Phase]

get a sea hare you wont even have to trim it down

i still have mine after 8 months whats the longest 1 has ever been kept? 356 days or something? im going to beat that

 

[willy00]

Most grazing Fish will not touch GHA. I have a large Foxface and he never eats it. My Tangs and Lawnmower Blenny won't either as they prefer short Turf Algae. Once it gets long it's too bitter.

Good to know, appreciate you sharing! I falsely assumed having a tang and blenny would make my tank immune to it...