What are some good algae eaters?

Question

i wanted to get a dwarf pleco but they are not available here so i need a different algae eater for my 20 gal tank

i dont want something that will out grow my tank is why i wanted a dwarf pleco so any smaller growing fish is what i want i already have one ramhorn snail

Answer 1

There are a number of pelco breeds that are smaller. Bull-nosed/rubber-lipped, and the bristle-nosed. My rubber lipped pelco seems disinclinced to cleaning my glass, but that may be due to the size of the tank, direct sunlight, and the stray algae flakes on the gravel. (I suspect that he simply isn't hungry enough to clean the glass.)

There are a number of variations of the Chinese algae eater. (Often just called algae eaters.) They are generally better about cleaning the sides of the tank than pelcos. Plus most don't grow very big.

For a tank your size an apple or mystery snail might help a lot. These snails only reproduce if they have a mate. Trapdoor Snails are harder to find, but won't eat your plants or reproduce quickly.

For bearded algae clinging to plants most of the algae eaters are useless. The live bearers seem love to eat the stuff so a platty, swordtail or molly should keep that in check. As an added bonus they don't eat your plants.

Honestly I find algae on the glass isn't much of an issue. I just roll up my sleeve, and scrub the glass with a plastic pot scruber.

Answer 2

Personally, I have two common plecos in my tank, and it's a 20 gallon as well. Yes, the one is *starting* to get big in the tank, but it's still got a ways to go. But a good pleco that stays small (and looks cool) is the Zebra Pleco. They only get to be about 4 or 5 inches total, but they are pretty costly. If you order them online, they can get up to $300 and more. So, if you can find a cheap one, go for it, unless your willing to spend a LOT of money.

Answer 3

dont get a Chinese algae eater - they get too big and and also get very aggressive to other fish as they grow - will actually start "sucking" holes on other fish.

Look for an oto (Otocinclus) - sometimes you see them as dwarf suckermouth catfish. They are fairly common. You can have a group of three or four in a 20 gal - they dont get big. they can be a bit deilcate - make sure to pick ones in the store that have full bellies and aren't thin looking. You can supplement with algae wafers once the algae is gone.

Answer 4

My Pink Kisser Gourami would eat algae. Also if you can't find a dwarf pleco, make sure your tank is away from the window, it will slow down algae growth some.

Answer 5

Algae eaters are actually not meant to stay to tell the story on only Algae mine consume Algae wafers Shrimp pellets left over nutrition on the backside of the tank,Lettuce cucumber Zucchini and mine like driftwood besides. somewhat relies upon on the form of Algae eater to what they consume .

Answer 6

Bristlenose plecos get to be about 4-5 inches total and have a completely unique appearance. I have one female in a 125 gallon tank, and she keeps it spotless!! Another, is the Chinese Trapdoor snail, and they are safe to put into a planted tank.

Some good websites for you to consider are:
planetcatfish.com
plecofanatics.com

Answer 7

Any of the Plecostomus family, or a golden oticuluis. If you don't mind snails, then they'd do the trick

Answer 8

i dont know if you have a salt watter tank or a fresh water one.
for salt water.. cleaner shrimps are good. also angel fishes eat algae.

if its fresh water, nothing beats a janitor fish. be care full tho they tend to grow fast and a lot....

Answer 9

Some fish do and i think snails do

Answer 10

snails catfish tadpoles anything with algea earter in the name