I have heard in a few different places that Fancy Guppies eat algae! I have a 30 gallon tank that has a few guppies in it, but lately the algae has been showing up a lot. I did not want to get an algae eater since they supposedly eat it themselves. First of all, is it true that guppies eat algae and second, what kind of algae eating fish or snail ( i hate the little snails that sneak in with live plants, but the larger ones aren't too bad) could I put in with them that would stay small? Thanks
algae problem and guppies
- Thread starter rosswake
- Start date
Before you add another fish to your tank, first check and see if:
1. Tank lights are on for more than 12 hours a day. If so, cut back.
2. Ammonia=0, Nitrite=0 and Nitrates=below 20 ppm. Algae is often is a result of excess nutrients in the water, and can be helped by larger &/or more frequent water changes.
1. Tank lights are on for more than 12 hours a day. If so, cut back.
2. Ammonia=0, Nitrite=0 and Nitrates=below 20 ppm. Algae is often is a result of excess nutrients in the water, and can be helped by larger &/or more frequent water changes.
Here is some info I have about the two. I've thought about adding Ottos to my tank but just want to make sure that they will leave my fry alone. As far as the algae goes, I've had very little algae but I've never seen them try to eat it.
Guppies
Guppies
Ottos
otos will not eat fry. Their mouths are simply not shaped to allow them to catch anything in the water column. They will, however, occasionally eat eggs that are attached to something or on the substrate.
They are peaceful, stay very small (2 inches max) and do a great job on soft algae. The problem is that once the algae is gone, they will likely starve. So if you decide to get otocincluses, be prepared to supplement them with blanched veggies (they don't recognize fresh veggies as food until it's softened), or Omega One Veggie Rounds. I've tried regular algae wafers with them, and they don't like them because the first ingredients are meat-based (fish meal, shrimp meal). Omega One Veggie Rounds are sinking, and the first two ingredients are kelp and spirulina. My otos love them! It's the only prepared foods I've found they readily accept.
They are peaceful, stay very small (2 inches max) and do a great job on soft algae. The problem is that once the algae is gone, they will likely starve. So if you decide to get otocincluses, be prepared to supplement them with blanched veggies (they don't recognize fresh veggies as food until it's softened), or Omega One Veggie Rounds. I've tried regular algae wafers with them, and they don't like them because the first ingredients are meat-based (fish meal, shrimp meal). Omega One Veggie Rounds are sinking, and the first two ingredients are kelp and spirulina. My otos love them! It's the only prepared foods I've found they readily accept.
I keep oto's with my guppies, I also have Brings (Mystery Snails) that do an excelent job on the algae.
Guppys do nibble algae, but they are not the same as having an algae eater...
Guppys do nibble algae, but they are not the same as having an algae eater...
thanks for the input, I think we have decided to get an otto or two. Do you think one will be enough for a 30 gallon tank? also, would a single mystery snail help with the algae enough, and would they it eventually overpopulate my tank with snails? Thanks
Otos do best in schools of three or more. They eat alot of algae, but you can't rely on the algae to make up their entire diet. Dropping in the occasional slice of cucumber or zuccini will ensure that they are getting plenty of food.
Check out this website for more info,
Otocinclus.com
Lots of good info there.
Otos are great fish. I have three. When they ocassionally swim across the tank they look like tiny sharks.
-Robin
Check out this website for more info,
Otocinclus.com
Lots of good info there.
Otos are great fish. I have three. When they ocassionally swim across the tank they look like tiny sharks.
-Robin