Algae eaters

G

grinch

AC Members
Mar 21, 2004
13
0
0
54
New Haven, CT
Visit site
It's become apparent that I can't keep my 45 gal. tank relatively algae clear without using chemicals or getting an algae eater. I figured I would break down and get a pleco, but they get so big. Any suggestion on a fish that eats algae, but does'nt grow as big?

7 Tiger barbs
1 Gourami
1 Clown Loach
 
there are other species of plecos that stay small enough for your tank. sorry, I cant name any...but I know they're out there, lol. someone can help out here :rolleyes:
 
Cory Cats

I have some plants in my 20gal and they were covered in algae, along with my rocks and other hiding places, I got two little cory cats and they have cleaned the tank up very well. I plan on getting a couple more to go with my two Clown Loaches, for a 45g I think like 5-7 Cories would be great :) Plus theyre the coolest little things, in my opinion. Well thats just my thoughts. HTH
 
I did'nt know Cory Cat's ate algae. I've seen them at the lfs so I might give them a try. The Bristlenose and otocinclus sound perfect, but I have'nt seen any in the Seattle area. I'll look this weekend thanks for the suggestions.
 
try the pitbull pleco it doesn't get big.
 
The cory cats is just an observation, but like I said, I added the two little guys and my tank is clean. Whenever go I to look at the tank theyre always working on something, I've noticed that the algae on my mondo grass plants has almost disappeared, as well as the sitting algae on some of my decor. But once again, just an observation. The only other fish in there are the two loaches which are active but are most of the time chasing each other around. I plan on adding an emerald and an agassazi(sp?) cory soon too. Good luck!
 
I think that the cories were just a coincidence. Or more to the point they helped with the problem indirectly. Algae needs food to grow and often that food source is left over fish food that gets a chance to rot. Cories are really good at eating that excess food and therefore the algae didn't get a chance to have a food source. I don't think that cories have the teeth needed for algae munching.

Ottos, SAE, Bristlenose are all good choices for a smaller tank and are often available. Watch out though that you don't buy a CAE (often just called an algae eater) as they don't do a great job after they get established in a tank. and there are many false versions of SAE that just don't do as good a job and can become a little aggressive as well.
 
I'm going to go off track from the algae eating fish and say get some shrimp! Amano shrimp are great little tank cleaners and eat most types of algae. They don't contribute much to bioload so you can get a ton of them. I have 7 or 8 in my 29 right now and I'll probably get some more soon.

Tom
 
I agree with tomm10! The amano shrimp are the best algae eaters! I have some and they devastate all kinds of algea. Just be sure the lid on your tank is very well fitted so they can't escape! ALso, be careful on the overfeeding as they will eat the food instead. However, if you do feed extra, then they will clean it up for you :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom