Last week I discussed the algae problem.  Well, I contacted GARF as I had mentioned, and purchased some “Reef Janitors”.

Snail stuck to the Aquarium

The purchase went a little differently than I had expected.  I had expected a web shopping cart interface, where you chose your selections, checkout, and enter credit card info.  GARF handles things a little more low-tech than that.  The form is a simple email posting interface.  They collect your email address, phone number, and a general idea of your order.  A few days later, I got a phone call from Leroy.  Leroy was very helpful.  He asked questions about the aquarium and the type of algae I had.  Leroy asked me a few questions to help decide what type of algae I have: red slime or Coraline algae.  After a few moments we decided the bloom is red slime.  Leroy commented that he would throw in a few extra Hermit Crabs to help clean up the mess.  He also suggested GARF Grunge to help get the future reef settled down.  I purchased some of that as well.

A couple more days, and the Reef Janitors are here!  Mrs Salty Geek was out this morning, so of course the delivery guy came while she was out.  And, of course he left the box on the porch. And, of course it was over 90 degrees Celsius.  Luckily, Mrs Salty Geek came home about an hour later and brought them inside to the air conditioning.  Plus, the box the reef janitors came in is insulated.  When we opened the box everyone seemed okay.

Hermit Crab dining on Red Algae

When I got them acclimatized to their new home, I put the new crew on the substrate.  I sure didn’t have to give anyone any special instructions.  No contract negotiations. We didn’t even discuss working hours.  Everyone just took off and started cleaning!

As I’m looking at the aquarium about 24 hours later, certain parts are looking better.  Parts of the substrate looks great.  Mrs Salty Geek mentioned that the back glass looks a bit more covered in green algae, however.  I’ll give them a few more days and report back.