Algae Eater

[pirategrl]

I need something that will help get rid of algae but the more I read about plecos (even dwarf varieties)  I'm hesitant to get one.  Is there other options I can consider?  I just got some cherry shrimp but I don't think they will make too big of a dent.

 

[NorthEastFisherman]

Otocinclus, algae eating shrimp (for me, these are hard to find), snails? There isnt much more algae eaters that are smaller than plecos.

 

[pirategrl]

the pet store recommended snails.  Do they do a good job?  How many would I need when they algae isn't a huge issue... just a bit on some of the ornamental decorations.  Is there a type of snail that won't over reproduce?  

 

[cowboy507]

I would not go with the snails from your pet store, as these are usually apple snails. They get really large and are incredibly messy you can cut back lighting times, add more water flow, or cut back any nutrients you are adding. Or remove fish if overstocked.

 

[pirategrl]

I think they were nerite snails?  I'm only about 1/3 of the way stocked right now.  I keep lights on for 10 hours.  I'm not really sure how to add more water flow.

 

[cowboy507]

More water flow is achieved by either a larger filter, power head, multiple filters, ect. And I do not know much about those types of snails, but a google search says that if you can find them they may work well.

 

[CezzaXV]

I would not go with the snails from your pet store, as these are usually apple snails. They get really large and are incredibly messy

you can cut back lighting times, add more water flow, or cut back any nutrients you are adding. Or remove fish if overstocked.

 
Actually, thanks to the EU it's illegal to sell apple snails in the UK now.
 
If you have an excessive amount of algae in your tank, I would be looking to get down to the root cause of it, rather than adding fish or critters to your tank (which will create ammonia and therefore nitrate, which will mean more maintenance to your tank). Also, in my experience, although some creatures will help with algae, they will never completely eradicate it.

 

[the_lock_man]

Pssst, Cezza, the OP isn't in the EU or the UK......

 

[CezzaXV]

Pssst, Cezza, the OP isn't in the EU or the UK......

Ssh you, I didn't notice

 

[pirategrl]

My tank isn't completely stocked so I'm OK with adding more "Critters" .  I don't think the algae is really an issue at this point there is just a little but I wanted to stay on top of it so it doesn't become an issue.

 

[geordieelvis]

What about a flying Fox? Also , there is a great advice thread on here somewhere about Algae eaters and how they don't all eat all types of algae so try and find the right type for your problem?

 

[Lilfishy]

Sorry, but I get annoyed at people buying fish/ snails/ shrimp etc to try & solve a problem
Surely you should find out what is causing the problem in the first place

 

[BerryAttack]

ummm, cut down your lighting and if it is on the glass then take a razor and scrape it off.. it wont scratch your glass and the fish should eat some and then do a water change to take it out... and if its on your decor (plastic or similar) then some boiling water, soak it and then scrub it and boom then you can put it back in
 
and it could be because you over feeding.. left over food blah blah blah just cut down on feeding after cleaning the algae up and see if it'll come back or not.

 

[pirategrl]

Sorry, but I get annoyed at people buying fish/ snails/ shrimp etc to try & solve a problem
Surely you should find out what is causing the problem in the first place

That was a little mean.  I haven't bought anything at this point and as I said it's not a problem.  I just wanted to stay on top of it so it doesn't become a problem.
 
It is only on the sails of my pirate ship which are a fabric.  I took it out and scrubbed it and can't seem to get it off or it is just stained so as soon as I can figure out an alternative piece of decor then I will just replace it.