Major Maintainence help

[neowind]

I am planning on moving all my LR out of my tank smoothing all the sand back to flat from where my power head fell and made a sandstorm. scrub all the glass to get the algae off and doing a 30% water change. While doing this should I remove the fish from the tank or would they be ok? I have a Yellow Tang, Lawnmower Blenny, cleaner shrimp, 2 clowns. My LMB and Cleaner shrimp like to pinch and bite me while im in the tank so I am a little nervous about messin with everything and them getting mad and jumping out or attacking me again It only hurts for a second me it scares the crap outta me most of all.

 

[bigarn]

If they survived the sandstorm they'll be OK while you tidy up the tank. Try not to kick things up anymore than you have to.
It'll probably be less stressful then taking them out and putting them back in. That's quite a large water change so be sure the salinity and temp. are close to what you have in there.
As far as being attacked by the inhabitants.....Try gloves

 

[kistheeze]

Originally posted by Neowind
My LMB and Cleaner shrimp like to pinch and bite me while im in the tank It only hurts for a second me it scares the crap outta me most of all.
You're kidding right?
First of all it doesn't hurt - unless you're REALLY sensitive, like "boy in a plastic bubble" sensitive.
Secondly, why would it scare you?
But to answer your question - yes I think it would be best to remove the fish - as long as you can do it without a net.
If you can't - you can run some mechanical filtration and some heavy carbon to clean up the water while you're moving things - then do a water change after you're done.

 

[neowind]

Yes just kidding about the "hurting" part. But it does scare me cause it comes out of nowhere and gets me. I about busted my Metal Halide first time it happened. I won't be able to get them out without a net.

 

[footbag]

Clownfish bites... NOW THEY HURT!!!

 

[colcoral]

My cleaner wrasse likes to check out my hands to make sure there's nothing good to eat. I'm glad he hasn't found anything yet.

 

[clarkiiboi]

I have removed all my LR a few times and left the fish with no problems. I would suggest that you try to clean as much algea off the glass before removing the LR. As soon as the LR starts to get pulled, the tank becomes more and more cloudy. With that and basically little light, removing algea would just be harder, IMO. Do make sure you have carbon to use to help clear it up. FYI, I jump everytime my cleaner shrimp show any interest for my hand--haven't got cleaned yet, and plan to keep it that way! I love my fish and all, but I definately do not want touched---freaks me out! Call me chicken, I will have to agree