Algae Blennys and macros

[DKKA]

I'm thinking of adding a lawnmower blenny to my 150 gal refuge/grow out tank to keep filamentious algae in check. But I'd like to keep the Caulerpa for export.
Will this work or will the blenny make short work of my macros?
Thanks, Dan

 

[olgakurt]

As with most fish, your mileage may vary. From what I've seen posted, most report their lawnmower's don't actually consume much algae.

Mine eats flake food and film algae off the glass and powerheads. Never have seen it eat any hair or macro algae-and its been in a 20g relatively long term.
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The Amazing Race Forum

 

[ww]

I agree. I have one in a 55 F/O tank, and the only thing he goes after is what's on the glass and fights the yelow tang for nori!

Sometimes, that alone can be real amusing!

HTH

 

[slojmn1]

My lawnmower blenny died of starvation in a 120g reef with 3 different tepes of macroalgae as well as the green algae that gets on your glass. He refused to take any prepared foods such as Nori, other seaweeds, or meaty foods. It was sad to watch. I originally bought him to mack down on the macro algaes in my tank that have been taking over for 10 months. It did not work and I have decided to stay away from algae blennys in the future. Just my experience

 

[bensenvill]

not much luck with lawnmower blennies either. he did leave the macroalgea alone though. You may want to try a red-lip blenny, they consume algea like mad (he's done a better job than my snails)

 

[Super Len]

Actually, it's more dependent on the species you have. There are numerous species marketed as "Sailfin Blennies." I've found Salarias fasciatus to be the most effective at microalgae control. S.ceramensis, a look-a-like from the commonly collected Indo-pacific waters, doesn't seem to do as good a job. No blennies I know consume macroalgae.