Need a Fish

[ReeferRob]

Hey CR! I need some help selecting a fish for my grow out tank.
It is a 35 gallon tank that is 25x25x12 (and about a 15 gallon sump) with obviously a lot of swimming space because it is a frag or grow out tank. There are two rock pile islands that serve as shelter and sleeping dens for the two wrasse that currently live in the tank.
I originally selected the wrasse for their ability to control pest, that is if any get past my dipping an QT.
But now my needs are changing or growing I guess I should say. I need a fish to help control the algae that is popping up here and there through out the tank. Being that the tank is on the small side I will need to be careful with my selection and the fishes needs.
I am thinking of adding a tang of some sort and one that is a small juvy. The advantage to the tank set up is that it will be easy to catch the fish once it grows to big and needs a bigger tank and then can be traded or sold for another one.
I was also considering a blenny of some sort, but am unfamiliar with there personallity characteristics and their efficiency with eating or cleaning the algae.

So that my situation, and thats why I am here for hopefully some suggestions and guidance from some people that have actually owned or kept either of the two species of fish.
Thanks

[Fishgeek88]

What type of algae? you could do a small zebrasoma sp. for a while.

[Werdlone]

I'm in the same situation...deciding what fish to add to my frag tank. My only problem is that I will have to feed the frag tank too! It's nice to not have to worry about it..but the algae control is an issue. I'm considering a foxface. They graze on just about every algae, even bubble algae, supposedly?? They don't bother tank mates from what I've read. That's my current choice. Now to find a nice small one....

[Sir Patrick]

I would have to suggest an algea (lawnmower) blennie. They have worked great for me in the past. Will fit in with your fish and tank, and will eat algea.

I would also have to recomend staying away from tangs and rabbit fish. For one, dont want to stir any "tang police" and two, there is always the chance of them turning out to be polyp eaters.

Algea blennies are ugly, but full of personality and do a great job. Smaller, the better.

Little advice-

Pull all the algea you can out of the tank before/after adding your algea control fish. Seems they prefer algea that isnt very long and flowing. Have a feeling thay are like rabitts- the short stuff might just be a bit more tender and delicious? Who knows....but its good advice.

Best bet- get to the source of the algea and stop it from growing all together, then there will be no need to add fish to maintain the tank, unless of course you have an eggcrate frag station. Not much you can do but wait the algea out and get a fish to control with that one.

[graphixx]

I would go with a lawnmower blenny as well.... I kept one each of them in all of my frag tanks and they worked FANTASTIC!! great little fish TONS of personality and are algae eating machines. and they wond effect your pod population

[schminksbro]

Just a consideration. Often times a frag tank added to your original system will still cycle leading to an algae bloom. It should run its course. That being said you probably still want to add a fish. I am considering a tiny sailfin for my frag tank. They are cheap and often come in small.

[ReeferRob]

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts.

This frag tank is not tied in with my DT, its down in the basement!

The reason I need another fish or tang is to act like a cleaning lady, ya know!
But hesitant for two reason, their growth rate and size of tank and there potential to snack on polyps. I just love them!

Im digging the idea of the lawnmower blennie though! Problem is I don't know one from the other. Typically LFS with label them incorrectly or use the many common names out there. Plus the different color variations make it tough too. I need to do some more research before I do anything.

[thefishgirl]

Rob,
My lawnmower blenny did amazing things to my 300g. What hair algae? Remember that crap that was growing on the sides? Not there anymore. He's awesome to watch, especially when he's upside down under my little acrylic frag rack .

Whoever said a lawnmower blenny was ugly... they just don't know a thing of beauty when they see it. LOL

I also have some red and black scooter blennys, but I NEVER see them anymore. Too many places to hide.