Small tank algae eater?

[NaCl_H2O]

I'm getting close to transfering my livestock from my 125g to my new tanks. I have a small frag tank (about 25g) hooked into the system which I plan to use to start growing out some nice frags someday!

A few snails will help control the algae in this tank, but I assume a Tang of sometype would also be a good addition.

Any suggestions on what type of fish would do OK in this small of a tank, and be a good algae grazer? Maybe a Yellow Tang, or Foxface? He would be alone, and no liverock - I'll probably drop a piece or two of 2" PVC in for hiding places.

Suggestions?

[Jenn]

I would think either of those would be good for a while until he got too big. I personally don't think a foxface or tang belong in a 25g for too many years. My foxface is an excellent algae eater. He's also about 6" and seems to eat constantly.

[Tim Marvin]

Small lawnmower blenny or a tiny tang. The tang would more than likely have to be moved out within a year, but you can order tiny ones of about 1.5 inch in length.

[NaCl_H2O]

Thanks Tim, I didn;t think about the LM blenny - and I get plenty of "Personality" to boot!

How would two blennys get along together?

[Tim Marvin]

Lawnmowers or just blennies in general? They usually won't fight much. Blennies are not very aggressive fish.

[Andrew]

I'd go for a small yellow or scopas tang, and move him once he gets past 3 inches or so. Adult lawnmower blennies will often fight to the death, or one hammering the other to death. . . in small tanks unless they pair off, IME. I would do one blenny and one tang. I'd also cover the top of the tank with eggcrate, etc. as LM blennies are known to jump if disturbed (I've witnessed this too).

HTH
Andrew