Algae Eaters and Fake Plants

Fangirl

Fangirl

AC Members
Jan 14, 2005
143
0
0
Tennessee
First off, bear with me, I haven't been brave enough to start trying to grow real plants in my tank. I already find it impossible to keep my fake (plastic and silk) plants from getting disturbed during my gravel vacs.

I don't have a "bad" algae problem. I do weekly water changes and try to minimize the light in the tank. Nevertheless, there is a thin layer of algae growing on all of my decorations, some on the glass, and some on the gravel. I have tried otos, but only one has managed to survive out of several groups. Also, my tanks aren't big enough for a pleco.

I have done some research. OF COURSE I would NOT buy any fish simply to be cleaners. All of the fellows I am looking at are little guys that I would love to make my new pets.

Perusing a website, I found the following offer... any advice or feedback would be appreciated regarding,
1. are they compatible in a peaceful community tank?
2. would they actually help my algae situation?
3. would they eat/clean algae off of my fake plants and decorations?

The Algae Squad10 - Ideal for 10 gallon aquarium Only $39.00 (plus shipping and handling) includes: 8 nerite snails, 2 SAEs, 2 Otos, 4 Red Cherry Shrimp, and 3 Amano shrimp

I would split these guys up between my 29 gallon and my 10 gallon.

Thanks a bunch for any help!
 
When you factor in the cost of shipping, that seems very expensive. The cherry shrimp would become lunch for your catfish, so you'd have to put them all in the 10, and I'm not sure if the catfish would eat the Amanos or not. I can't comment on the nerite snails, I've never kept them.

If these were my tanks, I'd probably try to find some of these fish/shrimp locally before spending all that money... I'd assume the cost of shipping alone would be about $35.
 
Are these SAEs the true ones? A 10 gallons cannot provide sufficient swimming space for two. Both can reach 5-6 inches in size. I have not seen SAEs eating any types of algae other than black brush algae. In a 10 gallons though? No can do.
 
I didn't realize that the upside-down cats would eat shrimp. They seem so peaceful (when I actually see them).

I think the SAE's are true ones, but to be honest they were my biggest concern.

I also thought the price was steep, but my local shops don't carry any of these except the otos. I am going to check with them about special orders.
 
thats a really bad "algea eater" list for a 10 gallon...

try snails. even though they can be lazy when eating algea, they still make a difference. mine is only a bit bigger than a piece of gravel (he used to only be half that size), and i can tell where he has been
 
I'd keep trying otos. For the cost, there the best bet for cleaning the algae in your tank. I've had 8 over the last couple months and only 4 have managed to last more than 2 weeks. Yet, 4 is the number I wanted in the first place.
 
you DEFINTIELY dont want the SAEs, they get way too big. i've never tried any of those snails, but i've never had any problems with snails (except when they start getting frisky and then you have a billion of them)

otos might work too
and i'd try some ghost shrimp if you can find them.. they might get eaten, but they'll provide some maid service in the meantime.
 
Just take your plants out and pour hydrogen peroxide on them. Let it soak for a little while then rinse it off and put the plants back in your tank. Once every couple weeks would maintain it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom