Some Algae Eaters...

[FishHobbyist1564]

I know that i NEED algae eaters lol so i was wondering what would be good. I have two small tanks (less than 5 gallons) and i wanted two little ones, so what would be good algae eaters that are small? I also have a 20-gallon tank and i need some in there too, so what would be some good "cleaners"/algae eaters for that tank? (i want to try to keep the size of the 20-gallon algae eaters under 4 inches long). Finally, i was wondering if i could put some "cleaning fish" with goldfish. I have a 75-gallon goldfish tank and i need some "cleaners" I wouldnt mind big ones for this tank since the goldfish are pretty big themselves (the goldfish aren't too big to be with corys though). Thanks guys for all of your replies and every reply will help!

 

[loachman]

I know that i NEED algae eaters lol so i was wondering what would be good. I have two small tanks (less than 5 gallons) and i wanted two little ones, so what would be good algae eaters that are small? I also have a 20-gallon tank and i need some in there too, so what would be some good "cleaners"/algae eaters for that tank? (i want to try to keep the size of the 20-gallon algae eaters under 4 inches long). Finally, i was wondering if i could put some "cleaning fish" with goldfish. I have a 75-gallon goldfish tank and i need some "cleaners" I wouldnt mind big ones for this tank since the goldfish are pretty big themselves (the goldfish aren't too big to be with corys though). Thanks guys for all of your replies and every reply will help!

what fish do you currently have in the tanks? That's probably one of the most important considerations and some of the recommendations can change.

Generally, amano shrimp and 1 apple snail are good for smaller tanks. Both are okay in 5 gals. Depending on tankmates, they can be expensive food though.

Ottos are good algae eaters when you get into the 20 gal range. They're peaceful and under 2 inches max. You should keep more than 1 of them though. American flag fish are also decent for 20+ gals.

When you get to the 75 range with goldfish, I'd suggest plecos. Bristlenoses are great and stay of modest size (~4-6 inches depending on species), but there are other species that are small. Check the stickied post in the pleco forum about small plecos, then check that species eats primarily algae. Rubber lipped and pitbulls I think, also fit that category, but I'm no pleco expert. Siamese algae eaters are also good, but can be harder to find (just be SURE you know how to identify them since fishstores frequently mislabel them). The other types of fish that are suitable for the smaller tanks will probably be eaten by large goldfish.

Chinese/golden algae eaters are NOT suitable for the vast majority of community aquariums.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I know that i NEED algae eaters lol so i was wondering what would be good.

ok to start off with no tank needs algae eaters, they can help but no fish/invert is a susbtitute for good tank maintenance.

have a read of this topic regarding algae eaters

 

[Sysiphus]

I know that i NEED algae eaters lol so i was wondering what would be good. I have two small tanks (less than 5 gallons) and i wanted two little ones, so what would be good algae eaters that are small? I also have a 20-gallon tank and i need some in there too, so what would be some good "cleaners"/algae eaters for that tank? (i want to try to keep the size of the 20-gallon algae eaters under 4 inches long). Finally, i was wondering if i could put some "cleaning fish" with goldfish. I have a 75-gallon goldfish tank and i need some "cleaners" I wouldnt mind big ones for this tank since the goldfish are pretty big themselves (the goldfish aren't too big to be with corys though). Thanks guys for all of your replies and every reply will help!

Just a thought since I know people will suggest Otocinclus Algae Eater (oto's) Otocinclus affinis, True Siamese Algae Eaters (SAE) Crossocheilus siamensis, Bushynose Pleco L-144 Ancistrus spp (only gets to about 4") and maybe American-Flag Fish Jordanella floridae, but wanted to throw in for consideration the Nerite snail who eats most any algae (even red algae) off glass and delicate plant leaves plus they will NOT reproduce in freshwater, only in ideal saltwater. about dime-size. I just love these snails and can actually see them remove "spot" algae from the glass. Need about 8 or 9 per 10 gallons.

 

[rdd1952]

I agree that you don't ever need an algae eater. It's much better to solve the problem thats causing the algae than to try to fix it with a fish. Different fish eat different types of algae so until you know what type algae you have, you don't know what algae eater would even eat it. And if it's blue-green algae (actually an organism called cyanobacteria) no algae eater will eat it. Here is a good site to help ID it.

Besides the fact that you need to figure out the problem, your tanks aren't big enough for any algae eaters other than maybe amano shrimp. Otos should really need to be kept in groups and the others are just too large for tanks that small.

 

[FishHobbyist1564]

i have an algae fix solution but it doesnt work all that great, so i just thought i could use a little extra help. So i thought it would be great to have algae eaters. For the goldfish tank, i wanted a big fish but some get to be 18 inches! iare there any that are about 4 or 5 inches that would be ok lol? I think i want some otos for the smaller tanks cause they seem very effective.

 

[rdd1952]

i have an algae fix solution but it doesnt work all that great

It's not a fix you need. That would be the algae eater. What you need is to decide why you have algae in the first place and solve that problem. Then you won't have algae to worry about at all.

As I mentioned, until you identify the type algae you have, it's impossible to determine what type algae eater you need. And again, if it's blue green algae, you can put all the algae eaters you want in the tank and they won't touch it.

There really aren't any small algae eaters that I'm aware of that are suitable for a coldwater tank. A common pleco would be fine as they can handle the colder water but they grow to 24". With a 75 gallon tank though, you have the room for one. But keep in mind that they are also messy fish just like goldfish.

 

[DiscusAngel]

See this >> http/www.fishforums.net/Clear-Up-On-Alga...rs-t192647.html