Crossocheilus siamensis

[Neptune350]

I have read that Crossocheilus siamensis are the best alge eaters around. Does anyone know if they can be succesfully put into a Malawi tank?

 

[Sanj]

They are the best algae eaters, but i am not sure they would fair that well in a Malawi tank.

 

[CFC]

Why on earth would you need more algea eaters in a Malaiwi tank? Most Mbuna make SAE's look pathetic in their algea eating abilities. Just cut back the ammount you feed the cichlids to only feeding them every other day and your tank will be spotless of algea forever.

 

[Neptune350]

This algae bloom began while I was battling a mini cycle in my tank (see previous post). I was withholding food and the fish not only did not eat any of the algae but it got much much worse.

I read the pinned thread that mentions that a field of algae on the rocks is healthy so when it started (only on the rocks at first) I let it go. Before I knew it I had algae everywhere. I'm just trying to find a solution that isn't going to hurt or disrupt my exitsing fish.

If not the Crossocheilus siamensis, then any suggestions on a Malawi that eats a whole lot of algae? The ones I have don't seem to have a taste for it.

1 X Socolofi
1 X Elongatus
1 X Haplochromis Ahli
2 X Electric Yellows
1 X Synodontis Multipuctatus

 

[gixer]

only thing i would be adding to that tank is more of what you already have

 

[Snowie]

Remeber that Malawi cichlids live in a habitat where algae is pretty much the only plant. You might think it look ugly but I don't think your fish cares one bit about the algae.

 

[Neptune350]

A Word on Algae

Common aquarium algae actually provides little or no nutritional benefit to the fish, but it does keep them busy practicing what is a very natural behavior for them--grazing. Provided with a thick layer of algae on the rocks, the fish will spend more time grazing and less time chasing, resulting in a more relaxed atmosphere.

I have read this and I do understand what it means. The problem is not that the algae is ugly, but it is quickly taking over the tank. I have red lava rock for my rock formations and the green makes it look more natural and offered a contrast in the color. That was fine, but in the blink of an eye the stuff was all over the substrate and the glass. Again, the glass is not a problem, I just scraped it off. The substrate, however was a different problem. Can't just scrape it off. Tried turn it over but alot of it is showing through. The real problem is that the stuff is out of control and only getting worse. I may be new to the modern techniques of fish keeping (had a 25g community about 20 yrs ago) but I know that the amount of algae I currently have and the rate at which it is spreading is not the "thick layer of algae on the rocks" as spoken about above.

The fish I have have demonstrated NO interest in grazing on the algae. I would prefer not to use chemicals that might harm my fish, nor do I want to introduce a species that will stress my Malawis or vice versa.

I am open to any ideas but letting it go does not seem to be an option.

 

[Ferris]

2 things that worked when i had the same problem in the first couple of months of my Malawi tank.

1. Leave the lights off for several days. I left mine off for 6 days and the algae completely disappeared. If you have live plants though, this would probably kill them as well.

2. I added a large sailfin Plec (IMO the best tank cleaners going). This is a risk as Malawi's can be difficult but if you look at my signature you'll see i have a few aggressive Mbuna's in there and this has worked fine for me, bearing in mind that my Plec is at least twice the size of the largest Cichlid and can look after himself. I have never seen the Cichlids bother him and vice versa but I have read posts in this forum where people have not been so lucky so it is a risk. I think the key to my success was that the Plec was already approx 6-7 inches when I added him and the Cichlids were not fully grown. Could be worth a try and believe me my tank is spotless.

Hope this helps

 

[semper fi]

the best algae eating malawi i have come across is the placidochromis milomo, trade name vc-10. seems all they do all day long is eat algae. they do not require additional members of their own species. are one of the few malawians that are loner fish. they will only seek out their own kind when they want to mate. after mating they have no use for the other and go their seperate ways. they are also nicknamed vc-10 due to their speed. they are very quick. i had mine in an aggressive set up and he was always able to zip away. nice looking fish also.

 

[wetwetwet]

How about some apple snails?




www