Is there any type of algae eater that will do well in a 10gal tank. Most of the species I have looked into get far too big for that tank size. I need something that'll help keep the sides of the tank clean as well as the bottom.
Algae Eaters
- Thread starter Random13
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A rubber nose or bristlenose will be your best bet--they stay smaller, and eat algae into adulthood. However--controlling nutrients and manual cleaning is a better option. Both of these fish will require feeding if there is not adequate algae in the tank, and are fairly large bio-loads (as are most herbivores).
That was a nice way of saying they are poop machines.
I would only add another fish to a 10 gallon if you like the way it looks because you will be staring at it for quite awhile. Adding another fish will increase you need for more cleaning, which in the end will also help get rid of the algae.
I would only add another fish to a 10 gallon if you like the way it looks because you will be staring at it for quite awhile. Adding another fish will increase you need for more cleaning, which in the end will also help get rid of the algae.
If you MUST get another fish, and want an algae eater... Another good one that won't get very big is commonly referred to in LFS's as an "Otto", although they don't eat every type of algae, and they seem to be particularly sensitive to water conditions. Hence the "sales" you will often see at the stores (high casualty rates). They are great little guys, though, I agree with OrionGirl and TKOS that taking care of the situation yourself is the best bet.
I've never been a big fan of algae eaters for a tank that small. Most likely, not all the alage that you see can be digested by alage eaters. Adjusting lighting, cleaning, etc. is probably a better way to get rid of the algae.
If you decided that you do want them, I would suggest a couple of ottos. As mentioned, these fish can be very difficult to acclimate and have a high death rate.
If you decided that you do want them, I would suggest a couple of ottos. As mentioned, these fish can be very difficult to acclimate and have a high death rate.
IMO, yes.
If you do want some cleaners--ghost shrimp make an interesting addition. They contribute little to the bio load, and will scavenge through the substrate. That leaves cleaning the glass up to you, along with routine vaccuming and water changes.
If you do want some cleaners--ghost shrimp make an interesting addition. They contribute little to the bio load, and will scavenge through the substrate. That leaves cleaning the glass up to you, along with routine vaccuming and water changes.
Makes sense. I'll stick to my ghost shrimp. I was concerned about the sides of the tank. At first I thought they were not getting enought to eat. I catch them swimming upside down at the surface every now and again so they can get at the flake food. 
LOL, the sides of a tank aren't that difficult to clean if necessary. I don't recall ever seeing a ghost shrimp trying to grab food at the top of the tank. Maybe your just starving the poor little guys. Hurry up and grow some algae. Well maybe not. How about an algae wafer for them to snack on. One thing no one has asked is do you actually see any algae or just being a neat freak?
hehe, take a look at my turtle tank. ghost shrimp occasionally flutter up and steal reptomin pellets from the surface...the smaller shrimp aren't big enough to weigh down the whole pellets, so they just spin around on the pellets at the surface and take a ride around the waterflow of the surface.