CUC Question

[Cliff]

I’m in the process of putting together some ideas for my CUC for my next reef tank. I thought it would be a good plan to have a few ideas put together before I need to add them. That way I can pick out my CUC crew based on what develops in the tank for a food source.

I want to select options for my next CUC that will eat bubble algae. So far in my current reef tank, the best member of my CUC for getting rid of bubble algae has been me. Don’t get me wrong, my snails are good for cleaning up bubble algae when it is still really small, but that can’t really get at the stuff that started deep inside the rocks. My emerald crab usually finds that stuff when there is any. I hardly ever get bubble algae in my current tank, I’m concerned about getting a lot of it in the new tank and would like to have a plan for CUC options to deal with it. My next tank is going to be a 120 gallon with about 100 to 150 Ibs of rock

To sum up my extremely long winded question, other than emerald crabs, Urchins and snails, are there any other CUC options I could look into that will clean-up bubble algae ?

Is there anyone that could offer me some your first hand experience ?

[labnjab]

I'm not sure what eats bubble algae besides emeralds, possibly a foxface rabbitfish. Ours eats just about every other type of algae including red macros, but I've never had bubble algae so I don't know if he would eat that, but he might.

[Cliff]

Thanks Labnjab

I'll look into foxfaces

Never gave those guys much thought before

[labnjab]

Their an awesome fish and will eat just about anything, lol. You just gotta watch their venomous spines because they can be very friendly and try to rub against you hand

[Rue]

I love the foxfaces ...one of the prettiest marine fish out there IMO...

I had one, short-term, to help with algae, but something 'got' him. :(

If I had a larger tank, I'd get another for sure...and as a permanent resident...

There are two types...

[Cliff]

OMG, I want one now

I the rate I'm going, I'm going to need a 300 gallon tank before long

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

There are two types...

Are you referring to 2 types of body shape? I ask, because there are more than 2 types of Foxface.
Siganus uspi
Siganus unimaculatus
Siganus vulpinus
Siganus magnificus

Cliff, all 4 of those are Foxfaces and all would do quite well in a 120gal tank. All 4 of them will do quite a number on algae. I'm not sure of their effect on bubble algae, but they will take care of almost anything else. They are almost better than Tangs at eating algae. The only caution with them is that they sometimes do develop a liking for Zoanthids.

[Cliff]

Thanks Goldbarb.

I didn't realize that a foxface can be as good as or maybe better at cleaning than a tang

[Rue]

There's something like 25-30 species of Siganus I think...but I thought only Siganus unimaculatus and Siganus vulpinus were commonly available.

I haven't heard of the other two you mentioned.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

Siganus uspi is the Bi-color, and Siganus magnificus is the Magnificent Foxface. Bi-colors are not too common, but S. magnificus is a highly sought after member of the genus. While not extremely common, and somewhat pricey, they are a beautiful addition.

BTW, there are actually 27 distinct Siganids. lol Besides the Pomacanthids and the Acanthurids, they are my favorite family.