Algae Eating Fish

[PortValefanjosh]

Algae eating fish is there such a type if yes what would be good to mix with what i have? 4 black wid tetras red tail shark and a male betta. Also is there any nice coloured ones.

 

[rdd1952]

There are lots of algae eating fish (and shrimp) but not all fish eat all types of algae. They also grow to different sizes so some are only suitable for large tanks. There are definitely some that you want to steer clear of depending on your tank and other inhabitants. Common plecos get very large, up to 24". Chinese algae eaters only eat algae when they're young and get very aggressive as they get older. They will try to suck the slime coat off other fish, especially flat-bodied, slow moving fish like angels and gouramis.

There's nothing wrong with buying an algae eater but if you have an algae problem, it is best to figure out what is causing it and fix the problem. It won't do much good to buy an AE and find out that it won't eat the type algae you have.

 

[PortValefanjosh]

We were told every tank needs one thats why i asked .

 

[FeroX]

That's completely untrue. A tank only needs an "algae eater" if it has excessive or unwanted algae growth. Usually it's up to you, and you can usually control the amount of algae growth in your tank to an extent by not using as much plant fertilizer, not leaving lights on long, etc.

And don't go getting a pleco for a brand new tank. Don't go getting anything that eats algae (as a staple in diet) in a tank without any, they will simply starve and die.

 

[rdd1952]

Most AEs will eat flakes or wafers. Otos are the one I never could keep alive after the algae was gone. I have 3 Siamese algae eaters and a pleco in my 75 gallon and it has been algae free for over 2 years. They love sinking wafers, shrimp pellets and flakes.

 

[FeroX]

If you're getting a pleco for algae consumption, which is what most do, then supplementing it with other foods on the get-go probably isn't the way to go. Let it graze on the algae in your tank for the most part while occasionally supplementing them with other foods. More often than not the plecos get bigger and too lazy to graze on algae anymore and go for fish food, since its much easier to get. Which obviously defeats the original purpose of buying the fish in the first place. Not to mention they produce copious amounts of waste.

 

[smmetz]

First, please read this excellent thread:

Algae Eaters, What you need to know!
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=135919

Then, you might consider referencing this thread:

30 Plecos Under 8 Inches
http/www.fishforums.net/content/Plecos-a...Under-8-Inches/


Almost any plec should have a 20 gallon tank minimum. I recomment a Bristlenose plec for 20+ gallon tanks. They are excellent at clearing algae, and eat a few varieties of it, and only grow to 4-5 inches. If you have a 75+ gallon tank, your options open up considerably. Please let us know what size tank for specific recommendations.