What is the smallest fish that can graze on algea that is not a tang?

[CyberGuy]

I am setting up a small 20 gallon reef tank and I would like to have a fish that can graze on algea to prevent an algea outbreak. I can get a baby yellow tang or other baby tangs but eventually the tang would grow too big for a 20 gallon tank. Is there a small fish that is an alternative to a tang or do I just have to get baby tangs and move it out when they become too big?

 

[Old Fritz]

I am setting up a small 20 gallon reef tank and I would like to have a fish that can graze on algea to prevent an algea outbreak. I can get a baby yellow tang or other baby tangs but eventually the tang would grow too big for a 20 gallon tank. Is there a small fish that is an alternative to a tang or do I just have to get baby tangs and move it out when they become too big?

Tailspot blenny. I might be blanking on other fish right now but they like to nibble on algae and they stay small. Other algae eating blennies get too large for a 30 imo

 

[Jonify]

Tailspot blenny. Bicolors also consume lots of algae, but some individuals are known to nip at LPS and SPS coral.

 

[Ocadenas]

I had a flaming angel he was the show piece of my 30 gal tank and kept my rock in check for algae. Sadly when he passed I notice right away algae breaking on my rock so I'll said for sure they'll do a great job

 

[PatientZero]

Mollies. I’ve had good luck converting black sailfish mollies to saltwater. They graze on hair algae and other types.

 

[Sam816]

Mollies. I’ve had good luck converting black sailfish mollies to saltwater. They graze on hair algae and other types.

If you can manage to acclimate a couple of mollies to saltwate then you are golden.
My bicolor blenny used to graze on algae but only around his hidey hole.
U can also opt to get a couple of trochus snails and get a fish for its looks

 

[najer]

I agree with tailspot.

 

[andrecr]

Jester Goby is a good choice too. Mine is always nipping them rocks

 

[JaaxReef]

Bimaculatus and Linear Blenny are other options. Stay even smaller than tailspot.

Court Jesters actually don’t eat algae directly, but hunt pods and microfauna on rocks and in sand and might accidentally consume algae while hunting.

 

[Skullring]

Tailspot blennie is perfect for a small tank. If you let the algae grow on your glass for a few days you will see thousands of little blennie lip prints on the glass. A little bumblebee snail is also great for getting in all the little cracks and crevices of the rock work. He will disappear for a long time but always reappears. The hermit crabs don’t mess with him either for some reason.