Thank you and "hello"

[Katz]

Hi there everyone,

I just wanted to say that I love this forum.

I bought a 10 gal. tank for my stepdaughter four weeks ago and have learned so much from reading your discussions. So far there are only three Serpae Tetra and a piece of driftwood as well as an unused castle in the tank. From reading your discussions I learned how to cycle my tank (with fish...didn't know better but they are fine). The pet-store just tested my water again and I have finished cycling. Had it tested about once a week. I will give it another week or two to make sure it's really fine and then think about adding any fish. Suggestions? I really like the catfish looking fish that attach themselves to the side of the tank, but I can't tell if there is anything for them to eat yet, as in algea.

Thanks again, keep it up!

Katz:)

[TKOS]

Well for a tank that size you could get some Otto's which are like little algea eaters. Or if you prefer the true catfish look then dwarf cory catfish are perfect. I have three in my 10 gallon tank and they are very happy. They don't attach themselves to the sides though and don't really eat algea. They scour the bottom all day long looking for bit of food. Or else you could go a little different and try Khuli Loaches which look kind of like eels. Your tank isn't really big enough for the other bottom feeders like Plecos and SAE and CAE which grow up to be at least 4 or 5 inches if not much bigger than that.

[OrionGirl]

Welcome aboard!

For suckers--there are many kinds, and the thing to consider first is adult size. Common plecos will handily outgrow your tank. There are a number of species that will remain small enough for your tank. I highly recommend spending some time at www.planetcatfish.com. Excellent resource for pictures and descriptions of various bottom dweelers, from cories through obscure loriicaids.

In terms of having algae--not a problem. For one, very few healthy tanks have adequate algae or detritus (uneaten food, ect) to support algae eaters and scavengers without supplementation. I actively feed all of mine with algae tabs, sinking wafers, and fresh veggies. Second, many fish start out as algae eaters but as adults, need a more balanced omnivorous diet. I strongly discourage people from getting fish just to deal with algae--al too often, thse fish end up starving to death. Getting them because they are cool fish who happen to help around the tank is ideal!

[LMOUTHBASS]

go worng by feeding your sucker a cucumber they love it!!! so if you wanna keep these cool looking fish but havent got algae give em some veggies!!!

[Katz]

Thanks guys!

I found the link to the website very helpful, esp. because they tell you how large each breed will eventually get. I am happy to say that the people working in my little petstore (pets 'n things) seem quite knowledgable. They made sure I didn't overstock right a way and have recommended some varieties of suckers that will stay small.

[wetmanNY]

Welcome, SuperKat! It's always interesting to see a new persona being established here!