[Myka]

Urchins are probably the best algae eaters you can get, but they are hit or miss when it comes to red turf algae. The Long Spine urchins are the best algae eaters, but they require VERY large aquaria as they get VERY large. Tuxedo urchins stay nice and small and eat lots of different algae as well. Be aware that urchins also eat coralline algae, so if you like your tank to be all pretty and pink the urchin will eat it all. Tuxedos should be in at least 50 gallon tank or they will not have enough food long-term.

Having said that, all common algae issues in reef aquaria are caused by excess nutrients. More nutrients going in than coming out. So figure out how to lower nutrients; feed less (most people over-feed), employ a better skimmer, siphon detritus while doing water changes, add a powerhead to help keep detritus from settling on the sand, clean your pumps so they flow better again, add a phosphate reactor, add a chaeto filter, check your RO/DI to make sure it is operating at 0 tds, etc. Also, if you have any lower Kelvin bulbs on your tank (10,000K or less) try switching them for higher Kelvin as algae likes the low Kelvin. As bulbs age they also shift in color, so old bulbs will promote algae as well.