Nominate: One Snail + One Fish (BEST Algae Fighting Combo)

[mattfish]

3 Yellow Tangs are relentless on the back wall algae, Mexican turbo

 

[Katie M]

Gold ring cowrie and some kind of blenny (my tanks aren't big enough for tangs)..

 

[sarcophytonIndy]

Mexican turbo + a bristle tooth tang, unless I had bubble algae in which case I would pick a foxface

 

[Phycodurus]

The rabbitfish (preferably a foxface) will eat all types of algae, but most importantly they will consume bubble algae

i did not know this and this is great to hear! i have a one-spot foxface currently in quarantine (but with the intention of keeping my main tank caulerpa at bay).

i also have an outbreak of bubble algae and it’s smothering some assorted LPS frags. i’m not a fan of emerald crabs despite their fame as good bubble algae eaters. :(

 

[reefruss]

When I had quite a breakout, I found that a foxface and a tuxedo urchin did wonders cleaning up the tank in record time. The urchin isn't a snail and I know a lot of folks don't like urchins but mine does pick up stuff to carry around but as of yet has done no real damage.

 

[davesi]

Having a smallish tank (no room for a tang or foxface) I find my lawnmower blenny and strawberry conch work well.

 

[Costareefer]

Mexican turbo and any type of algae blenny

If you want to take a chance though a parrotfish is the most voracious consumer of all types of nuisance algae I have seen.

 

[Elgreco]

Mexican Turbo and Convict Tang

 

[todda5914]

Turbo snails and sea urchins.

 

[Cherie cook]

I need something that will eat ulva...can’t get rid of it!

 

[DukeLeto]

Let's have a little fun on this Monday and maybe learn something or help someone in the process! We're going to give an award to the Best Snail and Fish Algae Fighting Duo of Reef2Reef! So it's up to you to nominate your favorite! After we get the nominations in we'll create a poll and award the winner! :)

What is your favorite FISH and SNAIL for fighting algae? Pick ONE of each!

Yellow Tang and Trochus Snail

 

[ainarm]

For me lawnmower blenny and Mexican turbo. Don't appreciate the bulldozer affect from the turbos, but they do eat algae.

 

[Isaac Alves]

I need something that will eat ulva...can’t get rid of it!

I had the same problem. Foxface just devoured it. Turbos and urchins do well with this stuff too. But, the foxface will likely eat it quicker—- they literally are pigs with fins.

 

[jeffrey750750]

Sailfin tang and mexican turbo snail hands down powerhouse

 

[Schnizzle]

I need something that will eat ulva...can’t get rid of it!

My Blotched Foxface and Tomini Tang will eat mine when I add it to the tank. They don't go mad over it like the LRS Seaweed but they will eat it.

 

[Suesea]

Everyone likes what works for them. For me it's tuxedo urchin, 4 large babylonians, diamond goby. Hope everyone is and stays in good health.

 

[Mincal81]

I don't have much experience with all the clean up members for reef tanks, but I'

d have to say the astraea turbo is a beast of a snail. I completely get where the turbo comes in because they do work fast! My favorite fish is reticulated hillstream loach now if I can get one that likes it salty

Pic of what one astraea turbo has done to a diatom bloom on dry rock. They've actually eaten about 60% of the diatoms on the rock aqua-scape in a week's time. That's only 2 in the tank.

 

[Mincal81]

Foxface and any tang you like. Urchins urchins urchins.

Brace yourselves for this next one.....

Snails are worthless. You don’t need any

I have spoken.

Shots fired!

 

[Rogueaquariums]

I have heard that but I have never had one eat zoas but I have seen a foxface eat them.

i had a magnificent foxface Eat four of my brain coral & had to sell him

 

[Cherie cook]

I had the same problem. Foxface just devoured it. Turbos and urchins do well with this stuff too. But, the foxface will likely eat it quicker—- they literally are pigs with fins.

How big do foxface get...my tank is a 90 cube?