Small Algae Eater Needed

[fishboy7]

Hi, I was wondering what fish I could get that are 2-3" or smaller and will eat brown algae on glass and plastic plants. Also I don't wanna do otocinclus because I've had bad luck with them in the past. Any ideas? Oh and by the way if they can survive in hard water that would be good because the tanks water is hard.


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[GCL]

A few Ramshorn snails will help clean that. I can't think of any fish other than an oto in that size range.

 

[ktrom13]

I was gonna say otos but you dont want them. Snails will help with algae issues. I cant really think of any thing else. Do they have to be within the 2-3 inch range? If not id say SAE could do the trick

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[jasonfishaddict]

None of the species that come to mind would help you with brown algae. But you could try shrimp.

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[lesleyx]

I would try nerite snails hard worker's and great at eating algae they also don't re produce in freshwater

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[metricliman]

Nerites go more for the green algae.

 

[phish4brains]

I've had great luck with nerites. Both green and brown algae!

 

[fishboy7]

Well since you mentioned otos I thought maybe ill give them another shot. Also I did some research and found that not only otos but bristle nose plecs, Siamese algae eaters, and mollies will eat brown algae. Which of those 4 do the best job in your opinion?


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[metricliman]

Otos are great little algae eating machines. No experience with SAEs or mollies, but bristlenose plecos are also good but do poop a lot.

 

[tanker]

I still think your best option is a few snails.