Sea hare experiences

[tj w]

Any one have any experience with these guys? I saw one at my lfs and was considering it

 

[tj w]

Nobody??

 

[Daniel@R2R]

I had for a long time. It did great for algae control. No real complaints.

 

[vladandlilith]

They are great for GHA control, but they are hard to keep alive after they have eaten all of the GHA. Also, drip acclimate it very slowly as if it were a linkia or fromia starfish.

 

[eatbreakfast]

They can quickly eliminate algae, but unless the system is large enough, can starve after taking care of it. They can also knock over corals that aren't secured enough.

 

[tj w]

I dont have any gha in my tank. Ive got some green algae starting to show up on my live rock though and some discoloration in my sand. Its a 300 gallon tank so it should be big enough. I just dont know if i have enough algae for it to eat. Can u supplement algae sheets?

 

[Mitchell1835]

I have a nano 12 and had a green hair issue and purchased one. Within a few days it was all gone. Had the hare for a few months longer before it died. It was a very large one. A few months ago I purchased a small one and have had that one ever since. It is all over the place, never had an issue with it knocking over anything. This one eats any algae on the glass, rocks, etc...

 

[Flatlandsrefeer]

Any one have any experience with these guys? I saw one at my lfs and was considering it

I love them, they will now a path in almost anything. To the point where of you have nothing left you'll starve them to death. Then you have to over feed your tank to keep them alive. But oh my they are cool!

 

[JaysLittleOcean]

Sea Hares are excellent Algae eaters but as everyone has stated they will quickly deplete that food source. But with your tank being 300 gallons it should be enough to hold it over depending on the growth rate of your algae while its young. Remember that this is when their young. The standard Sea Hares can reach 12 inches when fully grown and their appetite will grow with them. You can also supplement them with algae sheets should your algae supply dwindle in its presence. Also I would run some type of carbon filtration as they will have a tendency to ink if provoked or feel threatened in the aquarium. Also make sure that your pumps have the necessary screens to keep them from venturing in. I had on attempt to take refuge in a Vortech that alternated for a long time. With a paired Vortech. It was not a pretty sight.

 

[Suzzie]

I've had one for about 3 months now. This one came FOC via the live rock.

I suspect it is a dwarf Sea Hare (though this may prove to be wrong).

It has grown about 2 inches over the past two months - I didn't think I had much algae in my tank but must be wrong else this little guy would have starved by now. I'm going to start putting some algae wafers in the tank to make sure his diet is adequate.

Suzzie

 

[-Logzor]

In my experience they will die in a closed system, hard to say how long it will live? It might live a year or only a few months. It is very much a temporary solution to algae control when reduced feedings and water changes are probably more effective than subjecting this creature to a premature death.

 

[JaysLittleOcean]

Get yourself some algae sheets and start introducing it to him. Daily additions will sustain the Sea Hair very well.

 

[Suzzie]

Thanks for the advice. I've put a few algae wafers in for him today. (I'm assuming it's a 'he' - though not sure how you can tell though?).
Regards,
Suzzie

 

[grim1reaper72]

Thanks for the advice. I've put a few algae wafers in for him today. (I'm assuming it's a 'he' - though not sure how you can tell though?).
Regards,
Suzzie

How is your sea hare doing on the wafers? I have a sea hare that has eaten all the hair algae and thinking of doing the same. Thanks!

 

[Suzzie]

Many apologies for (very) late response. I've only just seen your question.
The sea hate was doing fine.
I say was because he's been at the local aquatics store for a couple of months whilst I've been upgrading my tank.

They've not seen him whilst there but hoping he puts in an appearance soon as I would like him back.

 

[Maritimer]

Tried one.

The cleaner shrimp harassed it every time they saw it, and it didn't last long, even with plenty of algae.

~B.