Algae Eaters With Livebreaders

azdaboy · Oct 25, 2005

hi i was lookin to get an algae eating fish to try and reduce the amount of green algae in my tank i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what algae eaters would go well with live breaders like mollies and guppies

Annastasia · Oct 25, 2005

What size tank do you have? My first suggestion would be Otos, as long as you have a stable, mature tank.

Depending on tank size, a Bristlenose Pleco could work...but Plecos produce a lot of waste. Usually the best bet is to just scrape it off the side yourself. :thumbs:

azdaboy · Oct 25, 2005

my tank is a 30uk gal and has been running for about 7 months

Annastasia · Oct 25, 2005

Okay, so you could go for a few Otos if you want. Maybe 5-6. They can be tough, because they die easily, so good water quality is needed. If you get them, get the fattest ones from your LFS. It's also best if they have been there for at least a week and are still going strong.

A Bristlenose would also work, if you want. They get to about 6", and are fairly hardy.

Either of those appeal to you?

dartan · Oct 28, 2005

If it were me, I'd put in about 4-7 apple snails.

Spring · Oct 28, 2005

I'm surprised that with Mollies in there you even have an algae problem, my mollies devour the stuff. Before I got Mollies I use to have a major algae problem, but the Mollies devoured it all within days of getting them and I haven't had a problem since. They are always trying to get at the few little spots of Algae that grow in places they can't reach like behind the filter.

Bryan1957 · Oct 28, 2005

Have you considered plants in your tank to compete with the alge?
There is alot of information in the "Planted" section of TFF. http

/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showforum=10 Live plants in your tank will help keep the water more stable and create a more natural environment for your fish. They don't create additional waste like another fish or snail and they add oxygen to the water.
Bryan