Algae Eater In A Mbuna Tank

[Matty]

I've heard that Bristlenose Plecs are a good choice for Mbuna tanks because they do not grow very large and they are armored...My question is, are apple snails good too? This is because I heard that bristlenoses like an acidic pH and soft water environment, while African Cichlids like more of a basic, hard water ennvironment. How well do Apple snails clean a tank?

 

[Fish_Mike]

The apple snails will first be torturted, then killed. They definately don't belong with Mbuna. I suggest you just get an algae brush, and leave the decorations to the Mbuna to graze off. They'll appreciate it much.

 

[Snowie]

Mbunas are algae eaters so I think they will be happier if you let them keep their algea for themselves.

 

[freddyk]

Bristlenoses are your best option, though the others are right, if you let algae grow on the rocks you'll see the grazing aspect of their behavior that people with clean tanks miss out on. Algae on the rocks might be an aquired taste, but frankly I think it looks very natural. Cleaning it off the glass and equipment is a simple matter of wiping it off every now and then.

 

[Matty]

So you guys are saying, use my algae brush and let the fish tackle the rest?

 

[Mr.September15]

Remember one thing. If there isnt so much algae there will be no food for the fish. As someone said "When your adding an algae eater your also adding another fish with special needs" I havent got any Idea what will be a good idea for an algae eater but hopefully this will help:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=101658

-Arrowhead