Mithrax vs Scarlet reef hermit

[Liam]

I though i'd get everyones input on this decision.
I have noticed that my hermit and emerald crab population has gradually dwindled and i am now suffering with 2 or 3 small patches on the dreaded green hair algae (the type you can barely tear out).So i am going to buy a small crew of either emeralds or hermits.This is for my 46 bow by the way(only air in the 150 no hair sorry).
What are your thought on who will do the better job?
thanks.-Liam.

 

[RichConley]

mine may be an aberation, but I dont think I've ever seen my scarlit reef hermit actually DO anything. He just kinda sits there and gets bigger. I've definitely seen the emerald crab pull out hair algae though.

 

[starrfish]

You should try to find the cause of the hair algae - high nitrates, high phosphates, old bulbs, etc. and fix the problem at the source. What are your water parameters?

 

[Liam]

You should try to find the cause of the hair algae - high nitrates, high phosphates, old bulbs, etc. and fix the problem at the source. What are your water parameters?

ph 8.3
alk 5
calc 465
magnesium1230
nitrite,nitrate,ammonia,phosphate,silicate all undetectable

even though i can measure no phosphate i'm sure there is some,DSB could be causing some release of DOC's.I have ordered a phosban reactor but those things are as rare as rocking horse **** these days it is on eternal back order.
I will be breaking this tank down soon so don't want to do a sand bed overhaul.
i did put some phosban in a media bag in the sump which faded it so i suspect its phosphates.
All bulbs are less than 2 months old,i'm underfeeding if anything.On the feeding front though i was feeding that pelleted ocean nutrition and i did notice more crap on the rocks when i blow them off(could be coincidence but i have still quit that stuff).

 

[starrfish]

I had a small outbreak of hair algae when my phosphates were high - that could be the problem. Getting the phosphate reactor is a step in the right direction - I used one to bring mine down about 6 months ago. I'm not sure if it was your post a few days ago about the reactor, but I'll repeat what was said in that post: make sure you bring the phosphates down slowly. Don't run the reactor 24/7 at first. In the meantime, why don't you get an emerald crab and some hermit crabs - it definitely won't hurt.

 

[Liam]

I had a small outbreak of hair algae when my phosphates were high - that could be the problem. Getting the phosphate reactor is a step in the right direction - I used one to bring mine down about 6 months ago. I'm not sure if it was your post a few days ago about the reactor, but I'll repeat what was said in that post: make sure you bring the phosphates down slowly. Don't run the reactor 24/7 at first. In the meantime, why don't you get an emerald crab and some hermit crabs - it definitely won't hurt.

No it was'nt my post but did read it,i actually asked a question in a thread a while back if anyone had experienced any problems using these with regards to rapid nutrient depletion but did'nt get much response(may need a thread of its own).
I was going to use seachem seagel initially which is a blend of carbon and phosgaurd which i am hoping will not be as aggressive,this comes in the form of little spheres which should give better flow through the reactor also.

Now all i need is the damn reactor!!!
-Liam.

 

[NateHanson]

I know it's not in your neighborhood, but AquaAddicts always has a few in stock when I've stopped by recently. Have you checked with other stores around you?

 

[Liam]

I know it's not in your neighborhood, but AquaAddicts always has a few in stock when I've stopped by recently. Have you checked with other stores around you?

we're pretty limited down on the south shore,i tried skiptons about a month ago,no luck.When i looked on line most vendors listed them as on back order.I kept checking and found MD said in stock,until 2 days after i placed my order of course when they went on BO again.I just sent them an email yesterday,no response yet.

 

[jango]

Liam how long has the DSB been running?

be careful when adding rust to your tank...

 

[jango]

Oh yeah, my scarlet's do not touch HA...

 

[Liam]

Liam how long has the DSB been running?

be careful when adding rust to your tank...

DSB is about 3 years old,all was fine until i moved last year and the bed was disrupted.I also see some clumping behind the rocks.I am just looking deal with it until the new tank is up and running.Trouble is my girlfriend is hounding me over more menial jobs that need doing around the house like tiling which is slowing down my progress.
-Liam.

 

[jango]

Trouble is my girlfriend is hounding me over more menial jobs that need doing around the house like tiling which is slowing down my progress.
-Liam.

Doesn't she know there are priorities...

 

[Liam]

Doesn't she know there are priorities...

Last night i had to run some wiring for our front porch which i am renovating so i had to go down in the basement,running the porch wiring took 5 mins,i then spent 1 hour or so wiring the fish room.Good job she does'nt know how long some jobs take