Algae eater recommendations

Echo- I hope you understand my post was not disagreeing with your ideas, just pointing out that proper research needs to be done prior to buying a fish as opposed to getting one in the idea it will solve your problem.

It is very easy to misconstrue a post as rude, so try to consider that before you submit it. Use smileys as needed to convey a positive message. This is a good debate topic so long as it is treated as debate and not argument.

Akysten-there are many issues with getting a fish you are unable to keep long term. I respect your opinion, however, a fish kept in a small tank will likely have health problems from stunting before it reaches the sizes at which you would "get rid of it".


Overall, snails and ottocinclus would be my choices so long as you understand thier needs and the underlying problems with the algae in your tank. Smaller plecos would not be my choice as even they may get too large for your sized tank.
 
what people are trying to say is that someone shouldn't just go out and get a fish to take care of an algae problem without exploring other options. for one thing, introducing a new fish might cause problems and other things people overlook (disease, problems in getting along with other fish, new requirements for care, etc)

algae is present in all tanks, new or established. brown algae in particular flourishes when theres not enough lighting (as opposed to other types which prefer more lighting) and there is excess nitrates in the water. lights are usually on for about 8-10 hours a day, no more or less is required. a timer is useful for those forgetful or would rather not have to worry about this. weekly gravel vaccing and water changes help keep the water clean of excess nutrients, which keep algae population in control. and a little elbow grease and paper towels will help too! (wipe it off instead, although they are a little bit more tough).

know that you cannot introduce an algae eaters to control the problem and expect it to live off algae. you'll need to get algae wafers and other sinking wafers for bottom feeders as well as supplement with fresh veggies for optimal health. otos are great for brown algae, and yes they stay small. but they also to prefer to be in groups of 2 and more, so take that into account when stocking a fish tank.
 
sumthin fishy said:
Echo- I hope you understand my post was not disagreeing with your ideas, just pointing out that proper research needs to be done prior to buying a fish as opposed to getting one in the idea it will solve your problem.

It is very easy to misconstrue a post as rude, so try to consider that before you submit it. Use smileys as needed to convey a positive message. This is a good debate topic so long as it is treated as debate and not argument.

Akysten-there are many issues with getting a fish you are unable to keep long term. I respect your opinion, however, a fish kept in a small tank will likely have health problems from stunting before it reaches the sizes at which you would "get rid of it".


Overall, snails and ottocinclus would be my choices so long as you understand thier needs and the underlying problems with the algae in your tank. Smaller plecos would not be my choice as even they may get too large for your sized tank.
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But you eat spam! What could you possibly know about fishkeeping??

:joke:

(This forum is more hostile than other forums, so I suppose I end up reading everything as flaming even when it's not.)


I have to second the idea of getting a fish that is too big for a tank with the intention of just returning it; especially for a tank smaller than half the size of the tank required for the adult. For example if you put a common plec in a ten gallon tank, you aren't being the nicest guy in the world.

Anyway, otocinclus and SAEs are very easy to keep and won't get too big for a decently sized tank of at least 20g or so. (I actually have an SAE in a ten gallon who is quite happy and fat.) I hardly have to supplement their feeding but once a week or so with an algae wafer. Thus my recommendation, aside from figuring out what is causing the algae is to perhaps choose a pair of otos or SAEs.

One more thing - you should think of algae eating fish as more of a prevention. They're amazing at keeping the algae away, but you really won't have much luck using them to make it go away once it's there.
 
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