Molly or Platy?

[jonathan03]

I'm looking for a fish that will take out some of the hair algae in my planted tank. I have heard that both platies and mollies will eat algae if they are not fed very much flake food. Has anyone tried this? Does one seem to prefer algae more than the other? I want whichever fish will take out the most hair algae.

Are there any other fish that might be interested in hair algae? I am looking for something living that will eat it.

 

[denali1234]

Platy!!

I would get the platy. They are excellent for eating algae, and seem to forage for it constantly. They are also very hardy, even more so than the molly. They are also smaller (1.5 inches for the male and 2.0 for the female) than the molly which can be 3 inches plus. Very friendly, colorful fish. I have 3 males, and they are amongst my favourite.

 

[rohnds]

True Platies and Mollies will eat algae but they are not true algae eater. So don't expect them to control or eradicate your algae in your tank.

American Flagfish is renowned for eating hair algae.

Rohn

 

[cloud]

I'm afraid heir algea is'nt eaten by many fish. certainly not mollies or platties.
you'll need either a flag fish, or a siamese algea eater (not a chinese algea eater), or cherry or amano shrimp.
how fast is your hair algea growing?

 

[jonathan03]

The algae is growing very rapidly and is really getting out of control. I removed most of it manually this weekend and its already looking bad again.

My nitrates reached 0 in a planted tank which made the algae go crazy. I have been keeping them above 10 for the last two weeks but the tank is still struggling. I have also been adding CSM Plantex +B as trace elments. I have DIY CO2.

The only concern I have about the flagfish is their agressiveness. I have heard mixed reports. In the tank I currently have 4 otos and 4 lepard danios. The danios are very - small maybe 3/4" or so. Is it safe to put flagfish in this tank?

Last, how safe is my riccia with these fish? I know rosey barbs will eat it.