Lettuce Nudibranchs are they a good addition to reef tanks

[goofyreefer]

I've seen on several web sites stating the use of Lettuce Nudibranchs for hair algae control but will they survive/thrive with out any hair algae? I would like to get one or two but i don't want to do so if i can't keep them happily

Thanks, Tim

 

[Anonymous]

You have to gear your tank to their needs. No they will not survive without the algae to eat as filamentous algae is all they're known to eat. They also can get blown around because of the current and sucked into powerheads, pumps, or take trips down overflows.

HTH

 

[Will C1]

ive heard of them eating nori (dried seaweed) if your rocks are bare, but they might not so i wouldent suggest it unless you can return them after the hair alge is gone.

 

[Anonymous]

I've tried the nori when waiting for folks to pick them up and I can't say I noticed them eat any of it. Would be great if they did though!

 

[Will C1]

just like most marine animals everyone is unique and different, mabe ya get lucky mabe not.

 

[Anonymous]

I understand that. I was only saying that the ones I have brought in haven't done it, relaying my experience.

I also can't justify to myself bringing them in by the dozens if not more, hoping to find one that will accept nori. And even if I did find one, then what?

 

[Will C1]

no, no, no, im not saying to do that but some times you get lucky if wont eat prepared food be ready for it to die once their food is gone

 

[goofyreefer]

So unless I have a algae problem I shouldn't try to keep one.

 

[Will C1]

pretty much, im not saying dont buy one they are very cool but if it dosent feel like eating anything but hair alge youre in trouble.

 

[shalegac]

I just purchased one to get rid of my hair algae which just started but all he is doing is eating off the glass right now. Every once in a while I'll find him on the rocks. We'll see what happens.

 

[criccio]

I had four of them, and even with some hair algae they seemed to just wither away within six months. Harbor Aquatics has them right over the border in Indiana.