Best Algae-eater?

[y020103]

the bristle noses are the best aglae eaters by far

 

[csjasona]

Hi - there are no fish in the new tank yet as cycling has not been completed. But I can see a sudden and huge appearance of ikky brown and green 'thread like' algae. Obviously, in the cycle phase with good photo-lights, warm water, plants food and added CO2, the algae will think it is on holiday!

I just want something to keep it in check once the tank is fully up and running - especially for cleaning the plant leaves, too.

 

[Bloo]

You're pumping in CO2 with no plants ?
of course the algae is on holiday !

 

[csjasona]

You're pumping in CO2 with no plants ?
of course the algae is on holiday !

Nope - it is fully planted ! heavily, so.

We've got the same type of tank, too (Vision 180). What type of cat is that as your avatar? Some type of siamese? I've got a RussianBlue - seems to be overly interested in the new tank - probably thinks it's just a nice heated bed!

 

[Bloo]

You're pumping in CO2 with no plants ?
of course the algae is on holiday !

Nope - it is fully planted ! heavily, so.

We've got the same type of tank, too (Vision 180). What type of cat is that as your avatar? Some type of siamese? I've got a RussianBlue - seems to be overly interested in the new tank - probably thinks it's just a nice heated bed!

ahhh lovely tank I'm sure you'll be fine then on the longer term. Have you added any extra lights ?

My boy (RIP), was a Snow Bengal x Siamese. I now only have a black Oriental left and he adores the tank too ! Russian Blues are gorgeous. If you haven't already, you should post some pics over the the pet section

 

[csjasona]

I've changed the standard rather yellow-ish lights for some new true daylight and full photosynthesis lights and have added reflectors to both. This seems to bring out the different greens in the plants and the sand at the bottom is bright but there are darker areas of shade for the fish that like to get away from the light. Minka, the russianBlue, is currently looking at the male dwarf gourami in the BioOrb60; they seem to be amused by each other.

 

[jdcuneo]

oto's are good general algae eaters. Not too big for an already well stocked tank. Bristlenose are great but can damage plant leaves. SAE are good, though not as effective as most of the cats. I have two peppermint and one zebra bristlenose in a 200 litre tank and they keep it algae free. I have heard when they are mature the get lazy but can't say for sure because my oldest is only 3.

 

[barbiedoll]

I think I'd go with otos and they'd do a great job. My 3 little guys are so gentle hoovering up along the leaves. I've got 3 for company but they only sometimes have a mad few minutes rushing about together. The rest of the time they are stuck into their solitary little task: they do the smooth rocks and the glass as well as the plants. We call them "the bin men" and they are nice and chubby.
Don't know how many you would need - others must be able to help ou more on that - for your tank size and level of planting

 

[csjasona]

Are otos ok with clown loaches?

 

[barbiedoll]

That I don't know. I'm afraid - no experience with clown loaches.

 

[Bloo]

Are otos ok with clown loaches?

I'm certain they would be. On the condition that you can provide adequate housing for the clown loaches

 

[csjasona]

The loaches have their own holed rock rightnow though I htink I shall have to buy a larger one. There are also two bits of bogwood in the new tank and very dense planted areas. The loaches seem to love squeezing into spaces that are barely large enough for them, so I guess the rock would be for them and the underneath of the wood would be for the ottos.

Anyone else watching TittyBangBanf on BBC3? So odd

 

[barbiedoll]

It's on now - noo series. Love it

'don't look at me'

 

[csjasona]

Is there anything I can do to limit the algae growth whilst my tank is cycling? The last day or so has seen a truly massive increase in the amount of hair-like dark green algae and it is now all over many of the plants.