best bottom and/or algae eater for 10 gallon? (w/ neon tetras)

[b_dog]

I'm sure this has been asked before and I am searching through threads for ideas...

Any suggestions on a bottom feeder or algae eater for a 10 gallon tank with 3 neon tetras? Thanks in advance!

[dorkfish]

add 3 more neons to give them a proper school. Then add 3 ottos for your algae eaters.

[fishcatch22]

a small pleco might be good, like a bristlenose or a zebra. they're a bit expensive, so if you don't wan't to spend a lot, getting 2-3 otos is the way to go. ;) (P.S. if your pleco/otos are the only other thing you are going to have in your tank, get 5 or 6 more neons.)

[fish_breeder_05]

go with farlowellas. more efficent then plecos, don't outgrown the tank, do not constantly have waste hanging from them

[monkey_toes]

go with farlowellas. more efficent then plecos, don't outgrown the tank, do not constantly have waste hanging from them
Too big for a 10-gallon, not to mention fairly difficult to keep alive. I think a trio of otocinclus or a single small Peckoltia would fit the bill better.

[fishcatch22]

Too big for a 10-gallon, not to mention fairly difficult to keep alive. I think a trio of otocinclus or a single small Peckoltia would fit the bill better.I concur! go with the otos or a peckolita.( the latter r hard 2 find and costly, though!)

[carttman]

I would also have to agree with going either with a bristlenose pleco or a few ottos. I have kept both before and they do an excellent job of keeping your tank clean. Just remember that they cannot survive on algae alone. You will have to supplement them with vegetables.

[paladin]

pygmy corys maybe

[ET1]

Corydoras catfish are my favorite bottom feeders, although they aren't algae eaters. They are efficient little bottom cleaners with lots of personality. You could fit two or three pandas in a 10 gal. I have 2 chinese algae eaters which are very active and don't bother the other fish. For algae on plants and decorations ghost shrimp do an excellent job of cleaning up.

[Needeles]

My little Pepper Cories seem to work well also and they have plenty of personality. They don't bother the other fish and do a great job keeping the tank cleaned. They grow to about 2 1/2 inches I beleive. Mine are about 2" at the moment and I can sit and watch them for hours. I started with 2 and they seemed fine but are much happier now that I added 2 more. Hope this helps.

[Gumby131]

yr corys

[hughitt1]

add 3 more neons to give them a proper school. Then add 3 ottos for your algae eaters.

i agree with this suggestion except maybe just 1-2 ottos instead of 3 if you just want for algae cleaning.. With 3 (or even with 2 likely) you will have to supplement their diet with algae wafers or something similar.

Cories are cool, but they don't each algae like ottos, and you really want a schcool of at least 3-4 of them (plus they are bigger than ottos). So i would stick with the Ottos (just my opinion though).

Best of luck!
Keith

[LunchBox]

red cherry or amano shrimp!

[Needeles]

Another good type of Cory is the Salt & Pepper Cory as they only grow to about 1" in size so it is rather easy to keep a small school of these. I have 2 in my other 10g tank and they do a pretty good job and they are also fun to watch.

[hondamx]

A chines algae eater would be good. I have 2 in my 10 gallon tank.

[hughitt1]

A chines algae eater would be good. I have 2 in my 10 gallon tank.

CAE's are neat fish, but not the best community fish.. they become larger and more territorial, and will start to harass your other fish, especially in a 10gal.