What kind of fish should I get?

I want to get a fish that will pick algae off my live rock. My first thought was to get a Tang but i think my tank is too small. I've got a 40 gal breeder and was wondering if a Kole Yellow Eye Tang would do well or not. I also like the Bristletooth Tomini Tang. Any ideas on a good small algae eating fish? Are Flame Angelfish good algae eaters?

 

Well, if you only want an algae eater then a Lawnmower Blenny would be perfect for the tank. I have also had a Coral Beauty that has picked at algae on occasion if you want something with some more color.

 

Unless your tank us very dirty, the lawnmower blenny will live about six months, then die. As soon as your tank is clean, it will live about three to four months then die. My humble opinion is that the lawnmower blenny should not be put in a tank at all. Too many times they don't make it, because they are such picky eaters.

Tangs are fine if you get a very small one and keep an eye on it. As soon as it grows to a moderate size, you would have to remove it and take it back to the LFS for trade. Tangs require lots of space to roam. The long 72 inch tanks are perfect. I have a 48 inch 90 and have kept one tang at a time in there. None have lasted longer than my hippo, who died after a year.

I like the idea of the Coral Beauty. Mine picks at the tank constantly. They are small enough and would make a great centerpiece fish.

 

Do you think a Coral Beauty will do a better job then a Flame Angelfish?

 

What type of CUC do you have in there? IMO a Coral Beauty won't really do much in terms of putting a dent in algae if it's really out of control. I would go for an Algae Blenny maybe: Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Sailfin/Algae Blenny

Or ramp up the CUC and/or find the source of the algae and get it under control ie get a reactor and run some PO4 remover.

 

If you want to be adventurous, acclimate a fresh water Molly. I haven't heard of them bothering coral but I am not sure. I would however, no matter what fish you decide on, add a couple Royal Urchins.

 

i've got a decent clean up crew...

Astraea Turbo Snail x10
Cerith Snail x10
Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab x15
Emerald Crab x1
Nassarius Snail x10
Peppermint Shrimp x1 (haven't seen in a few days =/)
Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab x10

i'm not sure all the snails are still alive. i found a rather nasty crab that i think ate some of them. Also, i don't have a lot of film algae it's more macro algae here are some pics. They aren't that great but hopefully you can see what i'm talking about.

 

i got my lawnmower to eat nori

 

what about a file fish