Algae Control in a new 10g

Preest

Preest

Beginner
Nov 11, 2007
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Portage la Prairie, MB, Canada
Well, finally got my 10 gal cycled and ready to be stock with fish (used goldfish to get the tank cycled) and just wondered what would be a good method of algae control? I was doing some reading on the subject but wanted to run it by these forums to see what you guys have to say.

Some of the suggested solutions are apple snails, ghost shrimp, and some variety of algae eating fish.

Being that I havent stocked the tank yet, my options are pretty flexible (well, as flexible as you can get for a 10g tank). So please, suggestions are welcome.
 
I think I'd just go with snails. Most algae eating fish get really big. Apple snails get HUGE though. I like ghost shrimp too, but they don't eat algae I don't think, but they are pretty good cleaners.
 
amano shirmp, and if you can find them olive nerite snails. most hitchhiker snail species do well, too, and despite popular beleif, they will not overcrowd your tank as long as you keep wastes down.
 
Definitely amano shrimp. I have a gang of them in my 10g planted. I actually let the algae grow a little more just to keep them fed :)
 
With a 10 gallon definately go with snails. I picked up a blue one from my LFS to put in my 2.5 Gal tank. It is more fun to watch than the fish. I've only seen him stop moving once.
 
Algae control starts with making sure the tank doesn't get too much light and make sure to keep the nutrients down, or balance if you're planted.

Most animals that eat algae will either be too large eventually for a 10 gallon or do a spotty job. Nerite Snails are the exception I believe.
 
Another vote for snails. Besides avoiding overfeeding. to make sure you don't end up with more than you want, mystery/apple snails or nerite snails are good. Mystery/apple snails lay their eggs above the waterline which makes them easy to find and remove if you wish, and olive nerite snails only breed in brackish water but can live happily in freshwater.
 
Thanks for the input. I think I'm going to get a few amano shrimp and an apple snail or 2... If I find they do too fine a job keeping algae under control, I'll give them algae pellets/wafers.

Hmm, anyone know if they would be interested in some sort of veggie like lettus, zucchini or cucumber?
 
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