Need Some Algae Eaters

[Red Betta]

i have a 30 liter and a 50 liter , which of late, have become rather algae infested after the death of my 3 golden apples and a pleco , i was wondering what the most suitable algae eaters are , ( 30 litre has 2 corys and peppered cat) and 50 has a khuli

 

[tomtomtom1230]

Cories won't eat algae and for the 30 Litre, all I can suggest is putting 1 or 2 apple snails in there. You could probably get away with a lone male small pleco (like a Bulldog pleco maybe? Somebody else might be available to advise on this) in the 50 litre depending on your current stocking

Otos might be an option, too.

 

[Wills]

I wouldnt put Apple snails or any Plec in those tanks to be fair. Too messy.

I would go for smaller snails, like Horned Nerites which are quite available now you can even get them in the post of some websites. And they will deal with small tanks like this no problem.

As above says as well Otos could work but they need a mature tank and are quite squishy at the best of times.

What is the stocking on both of these tanks are they just the fish listed or do you have more?

Your best bet over all though is to just keep them well cleaned wit a scraper as all the fish and snails you add in for function just take away room you have for fish you want for enjoyment and in these small tanks you dont have a lot of room to play with...

Wills

 

[tomtomtom1230]

Not too well acquainted with snails - didn't realise they were so messy! Yeah otos really do need a mature tank. We might be able to help a bit more if you can tell us what you've got in each tank

 

[maisy12345]

What about shrimp/

 

[elmo666]

Apart from looking at a way of clearing the algae through fish, might be worth looking at the route cause? Are your lights on too long, too many nutrients in the water, could you add more plants and do more water changes?

 

[tomtomtom1230]

Nutrients in the water are apparently not a cause, light or CO2 (or the lack of) is usually the cause. I've done a lot of reading on planted tanks and never will the excess nutrients be a direct cause for algae

 

[cms091]

A lot depends on the type of algae. Some types nothing will eat!

You have to look at the long term stocking of your tank.

I had a lot of black brush a few years ago, so I bought 4x1 inch Siamese algae eaters. Yes they ate all the algae, but even after losing one and giving one away I still have 2x5 inch fish in my tank (210l) who really contribute to the bio-load! Without them I could probably have about another 20 small fish!

Cathy

 

[elmo666]

Well, that isn't my understanding of things, tho it varies depending on what type of algae you are dealing with. I probably haven't read as much as you you on this subject, so just out of curiousity I googled the question. Another fish forum advised "Before we start off, it is necessary to know some inevitable facts about the relationship of an aquarium with algae. If you have an aquarium, then algae are inevitable. Algae can even be beneficial. When nutrient levels are very high in your aquarium, the algae consume the extra nutrients, thus making the water healthier for your fish.". Guess this is one of those subjects that we all have an opinion on. In my experience a balanced tank generally does not have an abundance of algae that needs to be managed via selective stocking, it is merely a case of getting lighting, nutrients and planting levels right or close to it. Now am not saying I don't like the presence of algae, I do as it brings a sense of naturalness (is that a word??) to a tank, but I have never had a problem with in. Either am very lucky or am getting the balance right with regular testing and water changes as well as a good planting regime. Shrimp are good algael grazers, as well as various plecs. Good luck with sorting it