More questions

I have 3 damsels in the tank, 2 yellow tail and a 3 stripe. I've had an outbreak of green hair algae, which I think is part of the cycle. (I've reduced lighting an added a phosphate remover to fix this) The algae is still pretty heavy and I was thinking of adding a lawnmower blenny and a foxface rabbitfish to help with this. (I have a 55 gallon with 50lbs live rock, external filter, protein skimmer.) So here's my questions: I've already seen some reduction in the algae, how long till I see it gone? Will these fish choices work out? I was advised by the petshop to remove the damsels, but don't really want to....plus at this point, I'd probably tear up the whole tank trying to get them. What I have for a clean up crew is an emerald green crab, 3 hermits and snails.
The protein skimmer I've had in the tank never collected anything, so I bought a remora and it started collecting the next day. This was also probably part of my problem, right?

Thanks in advance. I really like this site and all the information provided. Between this site and the stack of books I have, I might figure this out!

 

Damsels may or may not be OK with future fish...I have 2 yellow tail and 2 3 stripe humbugs. They do great and do not bother other fish. Play well together. Would'nt trade them for anything. Great color and great fun to watch.

 

If you do decide to get them out, try this...

DIY Fishtrap


Good Luck!

 

If you want to delete a post...go to "edit" - then "advanced features" - there you will find a "delete post" option.

 

Welcome to 3Reef fellow ohioan.. When I first started up my tank, I had a hair algae problem 2. I solved mine with a sea hare... But it ate it so fast I had to take him back to my local fish store.... I also went the damsel route, and did have to tear my tank apart to get them out. lol

 

That's a pretty cool trap. I guess I could see how they react with other fish and decide. Do you think it's okay to add the foxface and lawnmower blenny now?

 

I wouldn't ever add a fish to ride yourself of a problem. 1) you now have a fish in your tank you didn't really want. 2) the problem wasn't resolved you just masked it with a fish that eats it 3) if the fish eats all the algae what will he eat after

Your best bet with hair algae is to do everything you have already (lighting, Skimmer, Feeding) then pull the hair out by hand. Then the snails can move in and clean the rock so the hair does not return. I would how ever get move snails. Astria, Mexican Turbos are good

J

 

I just merged the to threads so all the info is in the one post. Hope you don't mind

J

 

Thanks for merging the posting. My list of fish I want to end up with, includes these two fish.

Here's what I'm planning on:
the 3 damsels
1 flame angelfish(not anytime soon)
1 lawnmower blenny
1 foxface rabbitfish

What do you think?

 

Eileen, damsels run the gamut from very boisterous to calm and mellow communtiy fish for the most part. Of course there are exceptions to the rule! IMO, the Yellow Tails are very calm and mild mannered and should get along with most fish, inverts and corals. The Three-stripe is a horse of a different color and should be removed if you plan on adding future fish as these damsels are very territorial.
I have no reason why you couldn't add the two fish you mentioned above!
Good luck!