Recommend a good community algae eater please

Siamese and Chinese algae eaters do not eat algae, really. You could grab an algae scrubber for the glass instead of buying a new fish. A bn pleco would do well for a year or so until it reached 3"~, or some nerites would definitely help you.

What type of algae is it? Not all "algae eaters" will eat every type even if they do eat any algae at all. Pics would help ID if you are unsure.

Generally, I prefer to find the root of the problem and address that before resorting to adding more fish. Something may be off in your tank in regards to light or nutrient input (ie. too much food, lack of water removal, etc.).

A single BN pleco in a 20 gal would be fine. My red adults are only about 4" each. Good luck.

Nerite snails are in my experience, the only worthwhile method of algae control. They're awesome, come in many different colors and patters, and dont breed in fresh water. As long as you dont have anything anti-snail, they're the way to go.

Nerites as well do not breed in fresh water, so they won't overrun your tanks. Some of the different species are quite pretty and interesting as well. I'd get like, 10+ for a 20 gallon tank. Maybe even some amano shrimp if your tank only has small fish in it.

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every week... maybe twice or more weekly for a while. and again after scraping, scrubbing or cleaning anything to minimize cross contamination.

address your lighting. is it too bright? are the hours way too long or inconsistent? is it too close to a window?

address your nutrients. is it planted?

adding stock adds more waste when there are issues. plant or animal... it does not matter. (unless the plants are doing great and you still have an issue... but it still complicates things)

tell us more about your tank. give us clear, concise pictures if you can.

check out james' planted tank, guitarfish.org, plantedtank.net, rex grigg's site and/or here for algae articles.

5 nerites would be able to handle a 20g tank. Ever since putting 5 in mine I havent had a spec of algae on the glass.

Jpap and Dundadun's got it. Find the cause, and not add a species to "fix" a problem. Not all algae-type eatters, eat all types of algae.

tanker said:

Jpap and Dundadun's got it. Find the cause, and not add a species to "fix" a problem. Not all algae-type eatters, eat all types of algae.

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^ also, nerites MIGHT breed and leave eggs on your glass that will go away, but leave little white rings for quite a while. BUT they're still very cool.