Algae

[KB 99]

I am thinking of starting a 90 gallon FOWLER. How does everyone keep their tanks free of algae and things that snails and crabs take care of, without killing the LR and LS?

[fishguy_8]

keeping your tank free of algae is fairly easy.....1)clean the tank glass as often as needed. 2) get turbo snails for a big tank like that. 3)to clean the sand i'd say a cucumber or two is a good choice as well as starfish. 4) do regular water changes for nutrient export. 5)keep the bio-load low. 6)dont over feed! 7) skimming is another way to export nutrients. 8)make sure there aren't any "dead-spots" as far as circulation goes because stagnant water is a deffinite way to get algae. .......all of these are ways to control algae. another variable is your selection of fish. if you are going to have an agressive tank with fish such as triggers, puffers or other large carnivorous fish some creatures are not possibilities for cleaning the sand bed....but if you had a more "community fish" dominated tank with fish like tangs, clowns gobies etc...some options like shrimp and small crabs are possibilities. let us know what you wat and we can further help you.
Jon

[KB 99]

Thanks for your help Fishguy. I am thinking of an agressive tank w/ triggers, a lion, some wrasse. So what do you suggest for keeping the tank clean w/o killing LR and LS?

[organicreefer]

if you dont want to kill of you lr /sand,it would be adviseable to skip the trigger/wrasse,or at least be careful what species you pick