Brown algae vs. Otos

[Nolapete]

Brown algae has started creeping all over everything in the tank. Just when I was down to one Oto, I see two and both are very fat and very busily cleaning. They keep the glass spotless, but the plants, gravel, and lace rock may be a bit more than they can handle. I'm cautious about adding more because at $5 a piece (with the mortality rate of 2 out of 5 surviving) they are pretty expensive. I'll probably end up getting some more, but I was wondering what other cleaners do people like out there.

What's your favorite other than Otos?

 

[plantling]

I lucked out and was able to get 4 oto's for $1.50 each at PetSmart. I don't think they have them all the time, though and I haven't been in a while. Even with the 4 oto's I still need help. I've been trying to get some SAE (Siamese Algae Eater) but none of the pet stores around here sell them and I'm not sure if I want to fork up $25 for shipping.

 

[pinkertd]

Definitely bristlenose plecos. In the past I've had common plecos, clown plecos, gold nugget plecos, otocinclus, siamese algae eaters and flying foxes. Common plecos get too big then you have to find a new home for it. Since I have a very large piece of malaysian driftwood.....the clown and gold nugget plecos preferred to only eat and clean the the diftwood, and they produced far more waste than my commo plecos ever did. siamese algae eaters and flying foxes don't have the sucker mouths but they will make short work of beard algae, but when they get to be abou 3-4 inches....they get very aggressive towards the discus and their slime coat. And my least favorite fish to catch in the tank is an SAE or a flying fox....smart sons-of-guns! Bristlenose aren't the prettiest pleco in the world, but they love that brown algae and you'll never have to even wipe the inside glass down ever again. Looks like there isn't any glass there!

Debbi

 

[Nolapete]

How are bristlenose with plants? I like albino bristlenose a lot and had planned on getting a pair or trio to breed.

 

[pixl8r]

Amano shrimp are also excellent brown algae eaters, and don't go after plants. Apple snails also like to munch on brown algae, and plants

 

[mellowvision]

I vote shrimp.

 

[Nolapete]

I doubt shrimp would survive the onslaught of the female kribensis, swordtails, and pearl gouramis.

 

[mellowvision]

true... true... guess I missed that. I just know my shrimp work way harder than my otos!

 

[Nolapete]

I guess I could always make my planted tank a shrimp ranch with Oto shepherds. MUHHAHAHAHAHAH!

 

[Marinemom]

I vote for the bristlenose pleco. They are always busy cleaning. I don't think they even take the time to sleep. They will also leave the plants alone.

Marinemom