Small effecient algae eater

[midmichman80]

I don't have an algae problem, I just don't want one. All I want is a fish that will take care of the algae as it grows, in the time being, I have been taking care of algae growth by scrubbing. Thanks for all the suggestions, I enjoy having options and will have fun picking out the best algae eater for my tank.

 

[FishGeek]

Brian if you have Common Plecos then I doubt they are cleaning your tank. They are one of the last fish that I would suggest for that job. You probably just dont have an algae problem in the first place.

Midmichman: Then I would just go with a BN Pleco.

 

[midmichman80]

LOL, that was my first though, then I got turned onto the oto. Those BN plecos sure look cool though. I have always only had plecos in my tanks, usually just a common pleco and have had no problem with algae. I would be worried about the food getting to the otos too, that blood parrot has an appetite bigger than my JD does. All three fish in there could eat all day I think, it is one clean tank though. I understand that the kissing gourami will eat some algae as well, with him and the bn pleco I should have any algae that would grow covered. Thanks for all the help and suggestions. I am addicted to this site.

 

[nrstype]

I have 10 in my 29g Long planted tank. Maximum efficiency in a super tiny sized fish.

I have 4 in my 12g nanocube planted FW tank.

Relatively cheap, not demanding, super algae eating capacity like no other, my other fish leave them alone, and they do not make a ton of waste. Can't beat that.

Excellent recomendation

 

[Stykman]

I have 10 in my 29g Long planted tank. Maximum efficiency in a super tiny sized fish.

I have 4 in my 12g nanocube planted FW tank.

Relatively cheap, not demanding, super algae eating capacity like no other, my other fish leave them alone, and they do not make a ton of waste. Can't beat that.

Excellent recomendation

nrstype, forgive me for asking but do you have Ottos? or BN Plecos? You said you have 10 in the 29g, and 4 in the 12 nanocube...but never said what? Thanks.

 

[Kissyboots]

OTOS RULE!!!!!!!!
They're so cute!
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.
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Sorry, I love those little guys.

 

[big54bob]

otos are a waist of money. The only thing they eat is diatoms. Go BN, They eat everything

 

[midmichman80]

Sweet, I have my mind/heart set on BN pleco, but where do I find it. Went to the lfs and they only african cichlids for fw tanks. Lotsa good looking fish, but not what I am looking for. So where do I got to get this fish?

 

[big54bob]

Try petsmart

 

[AlyKat]

if you have Common Plecos then I doubt they are cleaning your tank. They are one of the last fish that I would suggest for that job. You probably just dont have an algae problem in the first place.QUOTE]

I've got common plecos that do a fantastic job on tanks that I've had MAJOR algae problems in. They do a very good job of keeping the tank clean, however they get very big and create an awful lot of waste.

In my 20G guppy tank I've got Hong Kong Plecos...at least that's what the LFS called them. They're really small...I didn't want something eating the babies cuz I want them to grow for Oscar "snacks". These are so cool looking, and I believe the max growth is around 2-3 inches. But like otos, you'd need to get a few. I've got 2 in the 20G and I'm thinking of getting a few more. They do eat the algae, but I'm going to need more to take care of the bulk of it. Afternoon sun shines in the room and algae is a bit of a problem here.

Good luck!

 

[FishGeek]

As common plecos age they tend to eat less and less algae. Not saying the young ones dont do an ok job. And some may be better than others. I was just expressing my experience and knowledge

 

[midmichman80]

I checked petsmart already, couldn't find anything, lfs sucks for anything but cichlids and sw. Petco got ran outta business by petsmart and I don't dare buy a fish from wal-mart. I guess I am of to Saginaw(30 min drive) to a monster aqautic center. They should have what I am looking for. I am looking up those hong kong plecos right now, those sound interesting.

 

[midmichman80]

Hong kong pleco, actually a loach, also known as the stingray pleco, borneo sucker, hillstream loach, chinese butterfly fish, butterfly pleco, and butterfly loach. I found they like colder moving water, and as far as eating algae, the websites I've seen say they would rather have sinking food or blood worms, but will eat algae if nothing else is available. Has this been your experience?

 

[AlyKat]

Well, I've got 2 in a 20G with all the guppies...and the only thing I've seen them do is plaster themselves on glass and rocks and everything else and just suck away...they're REALLY quick and cool to look at...but they really don't take care of an algae covered tank. You mentioned that you don't have a problem at the moment, so I think they'd work out nicely for you. They should be able to handle a smaller amt of algae...I need to get more, cuz the 20G is in the room that gets the afternoon sun. LOTS of algae in the 2 tanks in here!

 

[AlyKat]

That's not the best pic of what he looks like...he's actually much prettier than that...I'll try to get a pic...after I do the water change...today or tomorrow...lol!

 

[midmichman80]

Great, looking forward to it!!! I am always looking to get new and different fish. Still looking for some plants though.

 

[midmichman80]

Ok, now I am looking at an american flag loach. Anyone ever have one of these? They seem to be the right size for my tank and temperment. Sounded like they eat their fare share of algae too. Neat looking fish, and easy to breed, anyone have feedback?

 

[TabMorte]

Hmmm American Flag Loaches appear to be Weather/Dojo Loaches. OR at least that's the only thing that comes up when I search... are you sure you're not talking about American Flag Killis? They eat Algae.

Loaches are, as a rule scavangers, they'll pick up food from the bottom of your tank and graze on algae but won't really feast on it. Make sure you find out if the loach you're looking at is a cold water or tropical ones (Dojo or Weather Loaches for example live MUCH longer in cold water) and if they're a still water or river current one.

Generally Loaches like to be in groups of 3+ of their own species.
As a plus they'll also eat any snails you get in your tank with your plants.

I <3 my Yoyo loaches personally.

 

[midmichman80]

Yes, American Flag Killis, that's the ticket. My short term memory must be shot. Thanks for finding out what I was really talking about, lol. Anyone have good/bad experience with these fish?