algae eaters
- Thread starter roger1
- Start date
How small is “small”? (Especially since small isn’t appropriate for goldfish.) An algae eater will help but will not eliminate algae problems. You still have to do your part with cleaning. If algae is out of control, there are other issues in your nutrient balance that you need to address before adding another fish to the load. Also, most algae eaters are tropical, goldfish are colder water.
So, what size is your tank and how many goldfish are in it? When was the tank set up? Also, do you know your water parameters? In particular, nitrAte reading? What is your water change/maintenance schedule?
So, what size is your tank and how many goldfish are in it? When was the tank set up? Also, do you know your water parameters? In particular, nitrAte reading? What is your water change/maintenance schedule?
roger1 said:
The ones I know aren't really compatible with goldfish, since that aren't coldwater. But yes, they help keep the tank clean. Unfortunately, the most common are Chinese Algae Eaters, which aren't very good.
Otos (otocinculus) are great for a small tank. They are tiny, they are always hungry, and one will clean ten-gallons. However, they are very fragilem and often die no long after coming home from the store.
Siamese Algae Eaters are also fine.
If a tank is a little larger - say 29 gal - a bristlenose pleco can be good. They grow to about 5 inches.
Hi roger1,
Snails do clean the tank somewhat and can go in a small tank. Apple Snails are a good first choice.
Don't get any of those little spiral shaped snails. They can clean the tank if you have lots of them, but they make more babies then guppys(which is pretty hard to do) and they eat live plants fast!
The Chinese Algea Eater does a pretty good job in my tank, but they need a big tank and semi-agressive tank mates.
Snails do clean the tank somewhat and can go in a small tank. Apple Snails are a good first choice.
Don't get any of those little spiral shaped snails. They can clean the tank if you have lots of them, but they make more babies then guppys(which is pretty hard to do) and they eat live plants fast!
The Chinese Algea Eater does a pretty good job in my tank, but they need a big tank and semi-agressive tank mates.
Ya I really enjoy the work that Otto's do in my 20 gallon tank. I'll agree that they can be tough to acclimatize, but if you do regular water changes and have stable water perameters they should do alright. Just make sure you suppliment thier diets with algae waffers or blanched veggies (My Otto's love zuchinni.) As well they stay super small! =D
*edit* Gah I didn't realize that you were keeping goldfish. I believe otto's enjoy heated waters. Eesh sowwy. I tried to help.
Have fun!
Logy
*edit* Gah I didn't realize that you were keeping goldfish. I believe otto's enjoy heated waters. Eesh sowwy. I tried to help.
Have fun!
Logy
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