algea problem with cichlids

[HeathDus9]

Ok i tried a pleco, cichlids pretty much killed him, i put live plants in the tank and cichlids munch on most of em, these are african chichlids im talking about as well. Is there a special end all algea liquid i can just use every week? BTW i cant get a huge pleco because this is a 20 gallon tank.

 

[Helena21]

is the tank in direct sunlight? if so, that will cause algae to grow really fast. pretty sure you shouldnt have african cichlids in a 20gal too :\

 

[OrangeCones]

Ok i tried a pleco, cichlids pretty much killed him, i put live plants in the tank and cichlids munch on most of em, these are african chichlids im talking about as well. Is there a special end all algea liquid i can just use every week? BTW i cant get a huge pleco because this is a 20 gallon tank.

Algae is a plant, it needs light, CO2, and fertilizer. You can control how much light gets in the tank by putting the light over the tank on a timer. To limit CO2, make sure the surface of the water is aggitated (HOB waterfall type filter and/or airstones). To limit fertilizer, do larger and more frequent water changes.

 

[Doomhed]

I would have recommended snails, but the fact that you have african cichlids in a 20 gallon tank kinda freaks me...

how many do you have? I hope you realize that the 20 gallon tank can in no way be a permanent home for them, since the amount of Africans you need to reduce aggression issues is way more than can fit in that tank when the reach maximum size.

I am reminded of a friend of mine who purchased 10 1 inch "mixed african cichlids" from walmart for his 10 gallon tank. they proceeded to kill each other as they grew until he only had 1 left, who I traded for a Buttikoferi for my 75 gallon I had at the time.

 

[HeathDus9]

i have 4 africans, which is why i dont plan on adding anymore, no snails ethier. Yes when they do get bigger i will upgrade to a 75 gallon, but due to living conditions i cant at the moment. If one dies i wont replace it most likely.