Caulerpa Eater Needed

[DKJONES]

I am being over run with caulerpa algae! I added a small amount for a tang to eat, but it has taken root and grown everywhere! I prune it back, but the roots are choking out some of my corals and they are hard to remove. Is there any creature/fish that can keep this in control? I have grape, fern, and sawtooth varieties all growing. It is just a small 24 gallon nano cube and my tang has since been removed as he grew too large and agressive. Any ideas anyone?

[Reefland]

Hi DKJONES,

In such a small tank I don't know of any fish that would do the job. I think a Foxface Rabbitfish would but it wouldn't be safe to put in that size aquarium.

Adding Caulerpa algae to a display tank is problematic due to what you are experiencing. As pain staking as it may sound, removal and scrubbing of the rock might be your best/only option.

[tatuvaaj]

DKJONES,

You could try Tripneustes sea urchin. They eat larger algae and sea grasses and stay small.

Note that sea urchins require excellent water conditions (especially the salinity must be kept at natural levels, S=35 or SG 1.026). They also require a constant food source so you must be prepared to give it to some one else if your algae population diminishes (quite a positive "problem" though ;) )

[DKJONES]

Thanks! Sounds worth a try. Now I just have to find one! Wish me luck!

[tatuvaaj]

Thanks! Sounds worth a try. Now I just have to find one! Wish me luck!

That shouldn't be a problem! They are very common animals, you can get them even here in Finland

Take a look for example here: http://www.marinedepotlive.com/inverts-urchins.html

[jbicb3]

I am being over run with caulerpa algae! I added a small amount for a tang to eat, but it has taken root and grown everywhere! I prune it back, but the roots are choking out some of my corals and they are hard to remove. Is there any creature/fish that can keep this in control? I have grape, fern, and sawtooth varieties all growing. It is just a small 24 gallon nano cube and my tang has since been removed as he grew too large and agressive. Any ideas anyone?

I have a couple of Tangs in my 75gal tank if you want to send some down to Houston, they'd be happy to help you get rid of it!

[DKJONES]

I plan on "pruning" this weekend. If you like, I could mail you a baggy full. Just tell me where to send it.