any ideas for algae eaters

[ibanez]

i got a 75 gall planted tank with tetras and a 20 gall tank with a betta and cardinals. im getting most of my algae with cleaning, but with drift wood and plants im getting some brown algae growing on them so time to get a eater to help out sae are hard to come by could get them tho, ottos seem to be risky do to death, any ideas

[Hwom]

Try this..http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=830+837
A lot to choose from.

[bushwhacker]

bushy nose plecos...meili harrison here on the forum breeds and sells them... great fish and prices.... for true sae talk to mgamer2000

[pinkertd]

I suggest a bristlenose pleco as well. They really keep the tanks clean, but do poop a lot! SAE's get to be around 6" and the true SAE's are hard to find. Don't forget, whatever you choose, the fish will need to be supplemented with other foods too.

[jpappy789]

Brown algae = diatoms. Usually will not stay long in an aquarium and common in newer setups (up to 6-8 months old). Eventually they will go away on their own, so I see no need to get a fish at the moment.

However, if you would like adding the fish because you like it...I suggest a BN plec.

[ct-death]

Sounds like Diatoms I agree.

However, I have BN, Ottos, and True SAEs and they all do well with the 'other' algea I have (unless I feed too well! ;) )

[Wycco]

ottos seem to be risky do to death, any ideas

First off: I salute you for not getting Ottos. I love the fish and have been tempted to get them many times (and probably would if I found some tank-raised locally)- but too many of the wild-caught ones die and my conscience has always got the better of me.


Not all Pleco's are fantastic algae eaters. Not all are appropriate for 75gallons either. I wanted a BN but couldn't find them locally. I ended up getting a Bulldog (rubber mouthed) and she cleared away the brown diatoms in my newly established tank over night.

She's been heavy with eggs before and I wouldn't be surprised if she would have spawed with a male companion to keep her company.

You DO need driftwood in your tank if you get a pleco even if it is a species of pleco that supposedly doesn't need it. My bulldog is one such example- everything I read said they don't need driftwood. I waited a week or two as I was preparing my own driftwood outside.

The difference after I put the driftwood in was instantaneous- she became a completely different fish... she's still shy and hides a lot- but she is obviously a lot more active and happy since she gets to nibble on my wood now.


If you really want something to eat Algae though- what you need is some nerite's - I don't have one myself- but from all I've read- those snails are the algae eating kings.

[noodles62]

I recently picked up a Pittbull pleco and I will have to say, he is an algae eating machine!! They are small too, 2 1/2 max. He is not shy either, I see him all over the tank at all times of the day. He does not scurry away when I walk up to the tank like my BN do.....If you can find them, I would definately recomment them.