What should I use as a cleanup crew?

P

Phrag

AC Members
Sep 26, 2006
41
0
0
I have a 55 gallon tank. At the moment I don't have any "janitors" except for a bristlenose pleco. As I have some problems with brown algae/diatoms, I'm looking for a janitor screw that'll hopefully take care of some of that.

I'm planning on adding about 6 corrycats so they're in for sure. What I want advice with is if I should throw in 6-8 Ottos, or throw in one or two more bristlenose plecos or if I'd be better off with some snails or shrimp.
 
There are two species of clean up crew I recomend to every one: the generic Algaecus Scraperus Though I prefer the rarer blue morph, and the more specialized Pythonira Nospilicus

On a more asthetic level--I like my bronze corys and my ghost shrimps and snails. They help create a nice living world in my planted tank.
 
Personally i like snails and they do a very nifty job when it comes to brown algae(i had a terrible out break once i cycled my 55). Even tho i only have one snail, he did his job, and passed it with flying colors(well at least the brown algae was gone) :duh:

Another great thing about snails is that they don't add much to your bioload, but if you really are considering fish instead, your plan sounds desent. But a question for you. What other fish do you have in with the pleco? :dive:
 
Dwarf Gouramis, Platys, and Neon tetras. They're all too fast for the pleco to get a delicious slime meal.

If I get an Apple Snail will it make a run for it? I run an open aquarium (though it's almost completely covered in fluorescent lights) and I don't want a snail surprise on the tile floor.
 
Last edited:
If it is pretty much covered, i would imagine that the snail would stay in the tank. But if the tank isn't covered enough, then i would worry. I haven't had problems with my snail escaping. :dive2:
 
oto's do a number on diatom algae.

a small school is also very active.
 
solve the algae problem first, then add to your tank. are you overfeeding, not cleaning the gravel, or keeping the lights on too much?
i don't think you should rely on the fish to keep the tank clean, plus plecos need more food than just algae, like sinking wafers, shrimp pellets, and veggies. they will cause more mess than they 'clean'.

i agree with sarcare as well- i've had a lot of luck with the Pythonira sp. of tank cleaners.

also - plecos, especially small ones, will never go after a "slime meal" and attack other fish if they are fed properly. if they are trying to do that you are not taking care of them.
 
Last edited:
actually brown algae-diatom algae are little critters. you can try black outs, limiting light etc..but they will thrive as they need silicates and or phosophates to survive..they are typical in a newer tank and once established difficult to get rid of.

I tried limting light, blackouts reduced feedings etc..no effect on the diatoms.
if you've ever dealt with diatoms you find how hard they can be to control.

when they get bad you can clean the tank and two days later they are back enforce.
oto's love diatoms and will scarf them down.
 
Malaysian Trumpet Snails. If they overpopulate, get some loaches to keep their population in check.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom