Bottom Dwellers

[PinkyPerky]

What's the best type of bottom dweller for a small community tank?

My tank is 16 gallons, currently housing 6 guppies, 2 mollies and 2 platys. I don't have any live plants, just silk ones, gravel substrate.

Also, what about algae eaters? I understand Otos aren't particularly good in community tanks?

 

[Underwurlde]

Hi,

I just love my Three Lined Corys (Corydoras Trilineatus) - best kept in groups of 4 which I am currently saving up for! (Christ I sound like a 12 year old). Alternatively Corydoras Julii (almost indestinguishable to the tri's).

They are well lived (av 6 years) and grow to a maximum of about 2.5" in a tank.

Also consider perhaps Peppered Corydora's but they grow larger, account for at least 4.0".

Andy

Bewarned: Newbie Info (but I have researched, honestly).

As for Algae eaters, I am considering some too, but as yet I have no info to pass on.

 

[Scotty87]

I've been told you can get Algae eating Shrimps or Snails. Not sure what type though, you'd have to ask someone that knows something!

I don't know much

 

[Underwurlde]

Yes, I have had 3 Japonica / Takashi Amano Shrimp (Caradina Japonica).

Utterly brilliant little things to watch and will keep your tank spotless.

However, notice the use of the word 'had'.

All 3 of them commited suicide by jumping out of the tank. Stupid bloody things. And yes, boy can these little critters jump! So, get some by all means (I know I will get some more) BUT ensure you have a lid on the tank, that it fits well AND that any gaps (for cables etc) in the lid are blocked off.

Also I asked myself the question: why did they try to escape my tank in the first place. 2 reasons jumped (pardon the pun, sorry ) to mind - too hot (the UK went through a rather hot July) or tank conditions - Nitrites and Nitrates a bit on the high side in my tank at the mo - something I am currently putting to rights).

Andy

 

[wodesorel]

Shrimp and snails don't do well in high nitrate water.

Snails aren't very good for cleaning - they usually produce more waste than what they clean up - but they are wonderful to watch! (I have 6!) Algea eating shrimps, like amanos, I've heard are great. Just make sure your lfs carries them before you get your heart set on anything in particular, unless you're okay with ordering online. (My lfs only carry ghost and bamboo shrimp... whaaa! )