How Often to Supplement w/ Algae

[Joe Tony]

Hey guys, I have a newly established saltwater tank and everything is going great so far. I've got 4 fish, a few corals, and a robust CUC in my 45 gallon display tank. I have nori on hand and am considering getting algae wafers as well. Tank has been up for about 2 months so far. I just wanna know how often I should supplement my algae eaters:

I have:
-5 astraea snails
-5 trochus snails
-5 nerite snails
-2 mexican turbo snails
-roughly 15 cerith snails
-1 tiger conch
-1 emerald crab
-1 tuxedo urchin


Bear in mind, these are just the algae eaters. I've also got pods, shrimp, hitchikers, etc.

 

[tbrown]

Most of these guys will eat detritus as well as algae. Supplementing nori sheets won't hurt but I'd limit the size you add. I usually do a 1/4 sheet or less for a tang, Foxface, and Starry Blenny plus all the other fish pick at it.

 

[Joe Tony]

Most of these guys will eat detritus as well as algae. Supplementing nori sheets won't hurt but I'd limit the size you add. I usually do a 1/4 sheet or less for a tang, Foxface, and Starry Blenny plus all the other fish pick at it.

Dang. That little for a tang or blemmy? So I assume like 1/8 of a nori sheet would be appropriate for an urchin and snails. Lol

 

[tbrown]

Dang. That little for a tang or blemmy? So I assume like 1/8 of a nori sheet would be appropriate for an urchin and snails. Lol

Urchins eat a lot. My fish and CUC have lots of other algae in the tank to keep them fat and healthy so I don't have to use a lot of Nori.

 

[Garf]

Hey guys, I have a newly established saltwater tank and everything is going great so far. I've got 4 fish, a few corals, and a robust CUC in my 45 gallon display tank. I have nori on hand and am considering getting algae wafers as well. Tank has been up for about 2 months so far. I just wanna know how often I should supplement my algae eaters:

I have:
-5 astraea snails
-5 trochus snails
-5 nerite snails
-2 mexican turbo snails
-roughly 15 cerith snails
-1 tiger conch
-1 emerald crab
-1 tuxedo urchin


Bear in mind, these are just the algae eaters. I've also got pods, shrimp, hitchikers, etc.

I don't think folk generally supplement clean up crew with algae. There's usually some algae growing somewhere, for them to eat. I expect there are exceptions, however.

 

[RedReefer]

If your worried there’s not enough algae. Add nori a couple times a week.

 

[Joe Tony]

Urchins eat a lot. My fish and CUC have lots of other algae in the tank to keep them fat and healthy so I don't have to use a lot of Nori.

Got it, so maybe just a little bit once a week of nori would be a good supplement

 

[BrettMallette]

Got it, so maybe just a little bit once a week of nori would be a good supplement

Should be easy to tell if your CUC is hungry add a lil Nori once a week. If gone during daytime hours add a bit more. From my experience if they are hungry they are more likely to eat during the day. I only see my snails and cowries on the algae clip in the morning they wont go near it during the day unless they are hungry.