Recommendation for 30 gallon tank?
- Thread starter ttt0649
- Start date
Note: please do not get a fish just to clean up algae. If you want it because it is "cool" than go for it, but keep in mind that the majority of the time algae can be taken care of without the use of fish. What is your lighting? How long are they on? How often do you feed? What is your maintenance routine like? Usually it boils down to too much light and/or too many nutrients due to overfeeding or a crowded tank. Adding fish only increases the nutrient side of the equation as all fish add bioload to the tank. Also, the type of algae matters as well...do you have an idea which type you are dealing with? Not all fish will munch on the same algae.
Sorry for the rant, but many people get sucked in to thinking that adding a pleco or a similar species will magically solve their algae problem. If you really want one, look into bristlenoses (also called BN plecos) from the genus Ancistrus. There are other ones available, although less common than the BNs, such as bulldogs/rubberlips, clowns etc.
Sorry for the rant, but many people get sucked in to thinking that adding a pleco or a similar species will magically solve their algae problem. If you really want one, look into bristlenoses (also called BN plecos) from the genus Ancistrus. There are other ones available, although less common than the BNs, such as bulldogs/rubberlips, clowns etc.
Go get a Mag-Float and count the hours of sunlight/light your tank gets...
If you want an easy helper.. add a live plant and cut back on lighting... Phosphates and overfeeding can help lead to algae growth
If you want an easy helper.. add a live plant and cut back on lighting... Phosphates and overfeeding can help lead to algae growth
Yes, live plants also do a great deal to outcompete algae. Not sure if the OP is willing to take that step yet, but a nice suggestion nonetheless.
Pretty sure i came off harsh.. but so many people think they have to "add" something to fix a problem. Normally it is because they already "have" too much of something and can't see the problem as a symptom, not an isolated incident. There is a cause/effect in nature just as in the human body. Too much of anything can be bad for the body or the ecosystem of a tank.
Another great point! You saved yourself a lot of hassle.
I hope my post doesn't scare you into not wanting a pleco. Some of the smaller species are especially neat fish. Just do not feel that it is a necessity.
I hope my post doesn't scare you into not wanting a pleco. Some of the smaller species are especially neat fish. Just do not feel that it is a necessity.
I'm hoping the OP has better judgment than to rush out and buy a pleco without researching the needs first. There are far too many plecos to name individually that wont work with this tank LOL.