lawn mower blenny

Question
hello i have a 15 gallon tank with a cardinal, firefish and yellowtail damsel. I have red algae problem in my tank. I was thinking of getting a lawnmower blenny. if it doesn't eat that algae what would or get ride of it. also i would probably get lawn mower blenny either way. what should i feed it.

Answer
Hi Ben,

Great Question:

A Lawnmower Blenny is typically always a great investment for most reef / community saltwater aquariums. I have one, his name is Bernie, and he does a great job at munching on algae that grows along the glass of my aquarium. Please note the recommended minimum aquarium size for a Lawnmower Blenny is 30 gallons.

However for Red Slime Algae (Cyanobacteria), I recommend to get a clean up crew consisting of various hermit crabs.

Most importantly, work on lowering your phosphate levels, this will help to keep the Cyanobacteria from growing, because it uses the phosphates as its nutrients/food source. You can do this by using reverse osmosis water for your water changes, and for your top-off water. Adding a protein skimmer will also help to keep nutrient levels down.

You can also keep phosphate levels down by limiting the other sources of phosphate introduction into your aquarium, these include through aquarium foods and through water additives.

Investing in an aquarium phosphate testing kit will help you to determine your phosphate levels.

Regards,
David

All Experts - Editor

http://www.ocreef.com - Director