Just wondering if anyone has any ideas about any good algae eaters that go good with africans. I know i could get a pleco, but to me they are just so ugly and I don't really want one. Does anyone know of any other compatible algae eaters that are more attractive?
Algae eaters and cichlids
- Thread starter graysilm
- Start date
There are so many species of pleco out there you can find a really attractive one. The zebra pleco is one of my faves unfortuneatly its super expensive.
The trouble with plecos is they are not naturally high pH, but they seem to fare OK with africans. Since there are no algae eaters from the rift lakes (besides the cichlids themselves!) available on the market plecos are the way we have to go.
Smaller algae eaters like otocinclis will be eaten in no time.
Bristlenose plecos do a wonder on algae and are smaller and not often seen, so you wont need to look at them very much
-Diana
The trouble with plecos is they are not naturally high pH, but they seem to fare OK with africans. Since there are no algae eaters from the rift lakes (besides the cichlids themselves!) available on the market plecos are the way we have to go.
Smaller algae eaters like otocinclis will be eaten in no time.
Bristlenose plecos do a wonder on algae and are smaller and not often seen, so you wont need to look at them very much
-Diana
algae eaters in a Malawi cichlid tank are counterproductive. (i'm making the assumption it's malawi cichlids you're talking about since these are the most common). malawi cichlids are algae grazers and would appreciate having algae in their home. to have a pleco in there eating away their food seems like the wrong way to go.
Likewise, I've only noticed my mbuna eating off rocks in the tank. Only my L. fulleborni (with a nose specially adapted for eating algae) will eat occationally off the glass. One bristlenose pleco per tank will not have a dramatic effect on the algae available for the cichlids, but will help keep it under control. I have 1 in my 90 gallon that keeps it mostly under control, but I still have to do glass cleaning about once a month (tank is near a window). There is still algae available for the mbuna.
Also, if you supplement thier diet with spiraluna, nori, and other veggies they will have no need to eat algae off the decor... although the behaviour is natural and should be encouraged.
-Diana
Also, if you supplement thier diet with spiraluna, nori, and other veggies they will have no need to eat algae off the decor... although the behaviour is natural and should be encouraged.
-Diana
IMO there are plenty of attractive plecos, Golden Nuggets, Peppermints, Leopards, Queen Arabesque. There are many to choose so Im sure you can find one you like. I have had a pleco in every cichlid tank I have owned, most recently were a common in a Tanganyikan and presently a peppermint with my oscar.
You should get a pleco larger then yoru Cons. I have 2 7-8" Common Plecos in my 125g along with a herd of 20 or so africans. The Plecos make my cleaning job so much easier....they do poop alot though.
But isn't it true that many fancy plecos are not good algae grazers? Specifically, I've read that the Zebra is quite poor at it, and arguably more carnivore than herbavore, eating mostly worms and the like in it's natural habitat. Also, they are quite expensive, as their export is banned, so a domestic bread one must be found. Is all that true?
So, what fancier plecos are really good grazers? Royal? Gold Nugget?
I have read several places, however, that the Bristlenose is quite a good grazer.
I too am looking for a nice algae glass sucker kind of fish for a 125 African tank, and coming up dry. :duh: Right now, I'm leaning towards a common brown, and just pick one with a nice set of fins.
So, what fancier plecos are really good grazers? Royal? Gold Nugget?
I have read several places, however, that the Bristlenose is quite a good grazer.
I too am looking for a nice algae glass sucker kind of fish for a 125 African tank, and coming up dry. :duh: Right now, I'm leaning towards a common brown, and just pick one with a nice set of fins.