Tetra Trouble W/ Algae Eaters

[ambie]

Hi guys.
I had a question regarding algae eaters. I have a 10 gallon tank with 4 albino buenos aires tetras. I live in Alaska, and we're just coming out of winter. It's spring now, but pretty soon we'll have 18 to 20 hours of light a day. I'm beginning to have a little trouble with algae, and because of the extra sun, I'm sure it'll only get worse. Of course I clean the tank regularly and everything, but I was wondering if there was any kind of algae eater that would get along with my tetras, which happen to be a fairly aggressive kind of tetra, just to help with algae between cleanings. I've only had plecos before (not in this tank), but if anyone one knows of any hardier/more aggressive algae eaters, or crabs, or snails, or shrimp, or anything! that might survive them, I'd like to know. I tried plants, and had trouble because the tetras devour them, and I had a golden chinese algae eater, which are supposed to be kind of aggressive, and even he was so nervous around them, he went to a friend. If anyone has an suggestions, thanks!

 

[emma12321]

Hi,

Unfortunately the tank is already overstocked with the buenos aires tetras growing 3 inches. The only plec type fish suitable for that size tank is the otocinclus but it is sensitive and should be in groups of 3+ so you don't have the room. Another alternative are amano shrimp or apple snails but if your fish are aggressive, they would probably eat them.

Emma

to the forum

 

[ambie]

I had no idea it was overstocked. I feel like a bad mom, lol. Do you know what size tank would be appropriate? I've always wondered if there was a formula or something to figure out how many fish can go in a tank.

 

[Snick]

I will recommend a snail, they are hardy little critters (having shells ) but there is ONE VERY BIG DISADVANTAGE: they reproduce like crazy. I usually take like 5 or 6 of them a day to keep the population unde control.

 

[emma12321]

Hi,

As a general guide you should have an inch of adult size fish per gallon of water (this only really applies to fish under 3 inches) eg you wouldn't put a 10 inch oscar in a 10 gal. Really its your choice what size tank to get but the bigger the tank, the more choice you have with fish, you could add some corydoras and a bristlenose plec if you got 20 gallons or upwards and another shoal of tetras.

Emma

 

[ambie]

Thanks a lot guys! I'll save up and get a 20 gal. Are the corydoras and bristlenose plec compatible with my aggressive tetras?

 

[emma12321]

Yup your tetras will be fine with corys and bristlenose plecs.

Emma