cleaner fish
- Thread starter monicatetra
- Start date
BettaFishMommy
finkids make me happy :-)
whenever i see the term 'cleaner fish' i scowl a little....... the fishkeeper should be the one keeping the tank clean, not the critters that live inside it.
No need for any cleaner IMO. If you want the animal, go for it, but not just because it does a job.
I don't mean to sound harsh but without knowing more about the tank itself suggesting that you add more to the bioload is not a good idea.
I don't mean to sound harsh but without knowing more about the tank itself suggesting that you add more to the bioload is not a good idea.
What type of Algae is it? Green? Brown? Different things will cause different types of algae and it is better to fix that problem rather than just try to clean it up.
It may be something as simple as not leaving the lights on as long during the day or moving your tank away from the window.
It may be something as simple as not leaving the lights on as long during the day or moving your tank away from the window.
I see nothing wrong with selecting a species for its ability to clean. I think of my tank as a little ecosystem. Finding a balance with a minimum of direct maintenance is part of the challenge of keeping fish, IMHO.
BettaFishMommy
finkids make me happy :-)
but all too often people get a fish or snail or other such critter to 'help keep the tank clean' without looking into how they might solve the issue themselves (eg: algae, un-eaten food, etc).
i'm all for having critters in the tank that assist the fishkeeper in maintaining a clean and healthy tank, but those critters should ONLY be there because the keeper made a conscious decision that was based on their enjoyment and liking of said critter, not merely because it 'does its job'.
I love all of my snails but i would have to say that my mystery snails eat the least algae or glass residue than anyone!!! I strongly suggest the nerite snails. I bought some from Msjink, I'm sure I spelled that wrong but her name is Rachel, and I must say he loved algae!!!!
I let it grow because of the other snails as well as the shrimp.
I let it grow because of the other snails as well as the shrimp.
IMO your tank is overstocked as neon tetras should be in groups of at least 5-6. Live plants will help you with water quality by taking up excess nitrates. The benefits of your mystery snail eating algae & excess food will be outweighed by the amount of poop it puts out. You will still need to do gravel vaccums & weekly 25-50% water changes.
Easy plants to consider include anubias nana, java fern, java moss, water sprite, water wisteria & anacharis/egeria densa. They require no special substrate or fertilizers, & grow under lower light conditions.
Easy plants to consider include anubias nana, java fern, java moss, water sprite, water wisteria & anacharis/egeria densa. They require no special substrate or fertilizers, & grow under lower light conditions.
