Algae eater for Kribs...

[Xeider]

After deciding that Blue Rams were probably not in my immediate future, and seeing how I still had a store credit for two of them, I picked up a pair of kribensis (Pelvicachromis Pulcher). In my research into the breed, I had read that the current inhabitants of my 20 gallon tank (4 zebra danio and 3 panda cory) should be fine, but recommended that I remove the panda cory, as the kribensis would probably kill them. I picked up a 6 gallon tank a few weeks ago, that just finished cyclying that I will move the cory to.

My question is, I am starting to get significant algae build up, and while I don’t mind cleaning the glass weekly, I would like to have a fish in the tank that helps with eating algea. I was wondering what would survive the Kribs attacks (there are a lot of hiding places, and the tank is decently planted). I had thought a few otto’s but the person at the fish store said the krib would treat them the same as the cory. He recommended an upside down catfish. I am not sure what I should add.

Thanks...

 

[Reiner]

Don't listen to the guy at the store since he doesn't know what he is talking about. A upside down catfish does not eat algea at all it it's the same foods as your other fish. I would get a chinese algea eater since they are common or if you can get a Bristlenose pleco that would be the best algea eater you can get.

 

[Makino]

i have two otto's in my 15gal krib tank. they breed almost every month. i've not seen them chase my otto's, they get along great. they do chase the dither glowlights relentlessly however and i have to move them to another tank.
As your tank is well planted, i'd say they'll be fine.

 

[Jayhawk]

I have a bristlenose pleco in with mine, and I'm sure a bulldog/rubberlip pleco would do fine, too.

Makino - that's cool that ottos are doing fine with your kribs. I've toyed with the idea of trading in the bristlenose for some ottos to help clean plant leaves as well as the glass, but I'm nervous my African Butterfly fish might find the ottos a tasty treat!

 

[Beth]

I have a pair of kribs in my 29 gal planted tank with ottos and cories (along with other mid and top dwellers). There are lots of hiding places and everyone pretty much stays out of the kribs' way, especially at breeding time. (By the way, no fry yet. Eggs three times but the female keeps eating them! )

 

[scott]

An upside down catfish? Odd recomendation. I too like the otto idea, or how about a clown pleco, they're cool and I see them around every once in a while. CAE's I heard don't eat to much algae and get aggressive when they are full grown but I have never kept one. I would just be worried about them trying to eat fry and a fight breaking out.