Algae eater?

[MRshouty]

I'm thinking aobut getting an algae eater for my 15 gallon tank when i'm done cycling, and I have fish in it.

I know chinese, and golden algae eats get kindof big, so what kind can I get? Ones that would go good with danios, dwarf gouramis and possible corys

 

[FrankSlapperinni]

An Ancistrus (bristle nose) would be good. Although many people recommend Otocinculus cats, they prefer to live in schools, while Bristle nose's can live alone.

 

[MRshouty]

An Ancistrus (bristle nose) would be good. Although many people recommend Otocinculus cats, they prefer to live in schools, while Bristle nose's can live alone.

Cool thx how big does it get? i'm guessing like 1.5"

 

[Cheese Specialist]

No, try 5".

I would not put a plec into either of the tanks in your sig, no smaller than 30galls for a plec IMO.

Otos would be much better suited to you set-up

 

[heresmike]

I would go with otocinclus if I were you. They only get to about 1.5". I don't agree, however, that they need to be kept in groups. I have a few in each of my tanks, and they're always off on their own. One of my tanks has one sole survivor, and he's been fine for awhile. One thing you should be forwarned of is that they seem to die rather easily and for no apparent reason. Good thing is that they're cheap!

 

[yhbae]

15g is on the small side for bristlenose plecos. Also remember that all plecos are poop machines. Bristlenoses are somewhat better than common plecos but given their size, they still produce awful quantity of poops.

Ottos are super clean though - they don't produce much, but they also don't eat anywhere near as much algae as bristlenoses do.

Personally, I find otos are a bit plain - I like bristlenoses and their attitude...

 

[MRshouty]

Thanks I think I may go with like 2 ottos

 

[yhbae]

Probably the right choice given the size of your tank...

 

[cherrybarbbaby]

I had 4 Ottos now I'm down to one. He's been by himself for a while now.

For some reason I don't have as much algae as I did before (yes, I know my little guy is eating the alge) sometimes I think I only have enough alge for one Otto.

I tried giving them algae waffers but even in the dark my tiger barbs ate them before my shy little ottos got to them.
Then I tried veggies, my Ottos did not touch them and again, the barbs ate it right up.

So I'm afraid if I get my lone Otto some friends they will starve

 

[air*force*one]

the always popular pleco works

 

[Guppylover]

the always popular pleco works

If you have the right sized tank for them...

 

[Pearlie]

I would highly highly recommend the otocinclus. Small, cute and very good at keeping your tank clean, even if you have a sizeable algae growth in your tank when you first put the oto in. In fact, the oto will keep you entertained as it zips around feasting on the algae. I've been tempted to steal my husband's oto from his 10g so it can clean my tank, but then what will my 'algae eater' eat? Blegh. (While the Beaufortia kweichowensis is very cool looking, it doesn't clean house very well....)

Once your tank is clean, I'd recommend feeding algae wafers or zucchini pieces to the oto, since they run out of food very quickly.

 

[SilverDollar_03]

go with cories, exciting to watch, cheap, hardy, only 3" max in length, and great "cleaner uppers"

 

[Guppylover]

Cories don't really eat algae, they are more like a scavenger that well clean up alll the food scraps around the tank.

 

[amazingbioloboydp]

u need more than 2 otos 3 or 4 may be MUCH better! I love my ottos