5 Algae Eaters For Freshwater Aquariums
Algae are common problems for many aquarists not only in newly set-up tanks but also of established fish aquariums. If you have experienced this problem, the first solution that will come to mind is to get an algae eater. However, not all algal problems can be remedied with algae eaters. You need to consider some important factors to help you decide whether or not an algae eater is the best answer to your algae problems.
Apart from regular tank maintenance and using chemicals to eliminate algal growth, adding algae-eating fish has been used by many aquarists to help keep algae under control. If you don’t have enough time to perform regular water changes and replacing your tank’s filter media on a regular basis, an algae eater can be a solution to help maintaining your tank’s water quality until you perform that water change.
What is an Algae Eater?
Algae eaters are fish species that naturally feeds on algae. In aquariums they will also feed on algae. There are various species of algae-eating fish that you can choose from and many of them are low maintenance and quite easy to care for.
Just like selecting other species of fish to be added to your tank, you should be familiar with the care and management of different types of algae-eating fish. Aside from its nutritional requirements, there is also the issue on space and compatibility with the existing fish population in your tank.
Here are some algae-eating fish species that you can choose from to help with your "housekeeping” duties:
Common Plecostomus
Plecos feed on green surface algae and diatoms. Although they are very cheap, common plecos can grow really fast, and often seem to never stop growing. Without supplemental food, a pleco will feed off the slime on the bodies of slow-moving tank mates. They are voracious eaters that consequently equates to a large bioload.
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One of the big problems with the common plecos is that they get big. Really big. These guys tend to max out, in the average home aquarium, at between 12 and 24 inches, and some can get bigger.
These type of plecos also uproot plants, thus they are not good for planted tanks. The common pleco will grow very large and are long lived. You need a tank of at least 50 gallons to house this fish. Consider some of the other plecos if you cannot accomodate this fish.
Rubber Lip Pleco
This type of pleco can reach a maximum size of 3-5 inches and is best for tanks that are more than 10 gallons in size. Unlike common plecos, the rubber lip is generally plant-friendly. It is quite timid and needs plenty of places to hide. Avoid stocking rubber lip pleco with highly active or aggressive fish species.
Bristle Nose Pleco
Growing to a maximum size of 4-8 inches, the bristle nose pleco is suitable for aquariums more than 20 gallons in size. Adults are highly territorial and have the tendency to become aggressive especially with other bottom dwellers or cave dwellers. You need to put in plenty of driftwood for their dietary and territorial needs.
Siamese Algae Eater (SAE)
The Siamese algae eater is the only species that feeds on red algae. They do best in schools but can also be kept in pairs. You will need to put in lots of aquatic plants as well as a tight-fitting aquarium lid. Since they don’t have a well-developed swim bladder, your SAE will sink if it stops moving.
Pygmy suckermouths (Otocinclus spp.) are fantastic algae-eating choices. Their body shape resembles an elongated pleco, but they lack the armor. Photo credit: Aaron Norman.
Otocinclus
Often viewed as the best algae eater for small tanks, Otos are best kept in multiples. They can also thrive well in community tanks. Otos are quite sensitive to poor water quality though so it is imperative that you keep up with regular water changes. Keep in mind that these fish need a supplement to the algae that grow in the tank. Algae wafers and fresh vegetables clipped to the side of the tank will help to keep these little guys happy.
Chinese Algae Eater
Juvenile Chinese algae eaters feed on algae until they reach a size of about 6 inches, when they stop eating algae and look for other sources of food. Adults can become very aggressive and are not recommended for community tanks. In the United States these are marketed as algae eaters, but they are not very good at it and will also eat regular fish food and dead fish. This fish is not really recommended as an effective algae eater.
While all these fish do eat algae, do not rely just on the algae in your tank to keep them fed. They should still be fed regularly with vegetable-based foods such as algae wafers and even raw green vegetables attached to a clip in their tank.
http://www.fishchannel.com/freshwater-aquariums/aquarium-care/six-algae-eaters-for-freshwater-aquariums.aspx
