Best algae eaters

MollyFan1

MollyFan1

AC Members
Nov 27, 2006
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SF, California
Hello, I'm new to the fish world and two weeks ago I got 3 mollies (2 black and 1 dalmation). I have a 12 gallon tank and I'm wondering what would be the best algae eaters that can live safely with mollies?

Thanks in advance!
 
for a tank your size I wouldnt waste any of my precious "fish" space with an algae eater. If your tank is getting algae then YOU need to adjust. Cut back on your light time, reduce your feeding.....or just plain get used to scrapping the inside once in a while.

Also consider live plants IF you don't already have one. They will help eat up some of the things in your water which algae also like.

As for your fish, Mollys can get bigger.....so to allow them full growth I think you're about at your limit for the time being.
 
Actually I don't have any algae problems but just for the future, my friend recommended me getting a fish cleaner (algae eater). I do have two live plants and only have the lights on for about 7-8 hours a day and I feed them 2-3 times a day.

I will stick with my 3 mollies since I don't want to overcrowd my tank.

Thank you!
 
if you continue to feed that much you will start to see algae appearing everywhere.
 
Feeding your mollies once a day is more than sufficient for them. I would cut down your feeding so algae does not become a nusiance for you.

Marinemom
 
Thank you so much for the suggestions! I will feed them only once or twice a day to minimize any algae. I know mollies also like to feed on live plants so I've got them two live plants and planning on getting some more soon.
 
Fish don't need to eat nearly as much as most people think or what the food can suggests.

They can go days at a time without food. Honestly I feed my fish maybe between 5 and 7 times a week. And even then, it's a sparing amount.
 
What about snails or shrimps?
 
There is a plant called Anacharis(also called Elodea) that fish can eat and it is relatively cheap. If they munch on this, then they are apt to leave your other plants alone. I usually buy some for my fish to eat and they leave the other plants alone so the Anacharis must taste pretty good to them.

Marinemom
 
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