Recommendation

[dishyfishy]

Hey all,
I just started my first planted tank and was wondering if you could recommend a fish that doesn't grow larger than around 3" that would help keep algae growth under control. Preferably a fish that doesn't mind being by itself, but any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Rynofasho]

You could get a Bristlenose Plec but they will eventually hit 4" - 5". Not many other good algae eaters that fly solo. You could also go with a small group (6) of oto's.

 

[the_lock_man]

You could try some Hillstream Loaches (often referred to in LFS as Borneo Suckers) but they need a high flowrate in the tank ideally.

Alternatively, amano shrimp or cherry shrimp are helpful with algae, and don't add to your bioload. There may be some snails as well, but others could advise better than me on that one.

Better controls for algae are not too much light, and not too much ammonia.

 

[soybean]

Unless you have a tank covered in neverending algae, you will likely have to feed any fish you add to 'control' it once they've exhausted the supply.

Not all algae eaters eat every type of algae.

Anything that stays that small will probably need to be in groups, eg otos. I have 3 and would love to add more, but I don't have enough algae and don't want to feed the tank anymore than I do now. But they are lovely little things and you could probably add some if you also feed them catfish food.

I once had a group of hillstream loaches and minnows as a temperate setup, they come from cool, fast flowing rivers and really need a decent flow. Furthermore they didn't eat any of my algae and I fed them wafers and fresh veggies.

Amano and other shrimp nibble on it but will eat anything you put in the tank. Nerite snails do eat algae.

The best way to control algae is to get planting/ferts/light right and buy a cleaning magnet.