In need of a good leaf cleaner.

[AngeloG]

Whats a good leaf cleaner. Im starting to change over to live plants. Im noticing some brown algae on some leaves. I have 2 mystery snails and a small ramshorn. My tank is a 55gal with DIY 112wpg,CFL. I keep them on for about ten hrs a day.

[tanker]

If it is a "Slight" brown film, it is probably diatoms--normal in new tanks, and maybe normal in newly changed-over-to-live pants. It will go away by itself. I would not add an animal to rid it, because you will eventually have to feed that animal too. The snails will keep it in check till the diatoms goes away.

[jpappy789]

:iagree: 100%

[jmhart]

Otos and nerites

[Jspigs]

If it is a "Slight" brown film, it is probably diatoms--normal in new tanks, and maybe normal in newly changed-over-to-live pants. It will go away by itself. I would not add an animal to rid it, because you will eventually have to feed that animal too. The snails will keep it in check till the diatoms goes away.

:iagree:

[AngeloG]

I was thinking otos. Would 4 be good for a 55gal?

[tanker]

WOW!?!? 3 people say just leave it alone, and you picked the only other answer that says Otos.

[dundadundun]

+1 if my math is correct that makes 4 now.

[msjinkzd]

what fish are already stocked? THey should resolve so you shoulld pick something (if you decide to add anythign) which is compatable with the tankmates and will be able to be supported long term. Amano shrimp do a great job too.

[CatsMeowww]

+1 to the shrimp. I have some cherries that completely eliminitated ALL algae in my tank in a ridiculously short time.

[jpappy789]

If you're looking to get fish that are a nice addition to your tank (a full stock list would be nice) then I suggest otos or a BN plec, which I sort of made the mistake of getting when I had a diatom "problem". The BN ended up dying because I didn't feed it specifically and the otos disappeared, probably for the same reason. It wasn't until this past summer that I realized I still had one left...he's a trooper...

My point is, they did a great job clearing out all the diatoms within the first couple of days but after that it was all up to me to feed them. And I failed. Basically, get the fish (or inverts) if you like them but not just because they clean up diatoms which will go away anyways. I'd go with a nerite or two over fish.

[AngeloG]

I understand the "not adding an animal to fix a problem" rule. Im not new to fish keeping. I just didnt want go the "trial and error" route. Ottos are nice fish and I probably wouldve bought them even if I didnt have the brown algae. Im also feeding my algae discs and algae flakes. I just want my plants to do good. Its my first time with plants any want to minimize losing any. If it was on the glass I would just wipe it. Since its on the leaves I wanted a more delicate approach. I currently keep guppies,2 sm Angels,mollies, a platy,neons and some ghost shrimp.

[angyles]

a toothbrush is the best 'leaf cleaner' I've ever found.

[Devereaux2106]

personally I've always found TRUE Siamese algae eaters to be the best when it comes to getting algae off plant leaves

[AngeloG]

I think a toothbrush would be a lil extreme for live plants. Lol

[msjinkzd]

i wouldn't put otos with angels if you are keepign the angels until they reach adult size. BN or nerites would be a better choice. Nerites can be difficult to supplement so keep that in mind.

[jpappy789]

There's no trial and error with diatoms. You gently wipe them off if it bothers you and they'll eventually disappear.

[AngeloG]

Thanx! Ill probably wind up wiping it off myself. ...I knew Angels sometimes go after neons but didnt think they would go for ottos. Thanx for the info. ... Do BNS grow huge? I didnt think of gettin one because I know common plecos get real big. I wouldnt be able to keep one long term. Its sad to see them so huge and cooped up in a tank that about 2x their body size at the lfs. I guess they were returns.

[msjinkzd]

bn are usually 4" or so. They stay small and are very peaceful with other fish. A great and fun fish.

[AngeloG]

ok! Thanx for the help everyone!

[jpappy789]

I've never seen one past the 4-5" range, so one would work in your tank if you're interested in getting the fish. They're pretty neat IMO.