Cuc - Hair Algae

[JP-79er]

I having reoocrance of hair algea growing again much slower this time but i need a CUC crew that can keep it contained and under control.

But in the immortal words of Harry Hill:

Which would be best:

Emerald Crab - Although i do softies in the tank but a crab would be cool to keep

or

A couple Mexican Turbo snails

`Theres only one way to find out FIGHT'

Joking aside i have read that these are both agressive algea eater of all types including filomentous and diatome types , or if you can suggest any other CUC members that would be worth considering?

 

[ben1987]

some blennys graze on algae, and tangs. what size tank do you have?

Out of those two i would say the crab would clean the algae better.

 

[VictorMeldrew]

Hi JP, i have the same sort of problem at the moment and an Emerald crab has been surggested to me a few times so they must do a good job. I don't really fancy adding a crab to my tank but i might have to give in sooner or later, green hair algea looks rubbish does'nt it.

I have added a yellow tang to my tank to eat the stuff and to be honest its has not really touched it so i do not think adding fish is the answer and i have not come accross any other solutions yet, so maybe a crab is the way ahead.

Have you been using a phosphate remover which can help to prevent the growth of algea?

Regards
VM

 

[ben1987]

thats a good idea VM

also i would pluck it out as much as you can

 

[leeroysw20]

lol, i actually posted some pics up of my hair algae last week coz my tank started filling with the stuff!
at the weekend i added a hermit crab, sally lightfoot crab and 3 turbo snails.....its totally gone now, the turbo snails r awsome n eat all of it! id highly reccomend them

 

[JP-79er]

Hi all, thanks for the resposes and yes VM Hair algea is rubbish especially when it covered in diatomes as well

My tank is only 125l and already heavily stocked so adding more fish, as much as i would like to add more.

I only one turbo snail but he spends his time on the galss only so has no effect on the algea also but apparently there a different varietys, the mexican turbo is apparently v.good at eating algea but am struggling to work out how to id one from LFS as occasionallly some LFS group id some species as they generally bag them up under one banner or call them by alternative nicknames.

I am reluctant to use a Phostphate remover as i managed to run the tank for nearly two years chemical free, apart from the odd Ph/alkalinty buffer - but would probably would be worth while running Antiphos in the filter

The Sally light foot crab sounds good though well worth a look, but seem to grow alot bigger than the Emerald crab, but certianly a lot more colourful. Will have to look around for one