I have a 20gal w/ community fish. I have read about various shrimp, any ideas on what I should get? Shrimp, or something else?
2006-09-02 07:59:25 · 27 answers · asked by Lisa 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Bushynose/bristlenose pleco. Very effective at algae consumption (they don't get very big and eat algae their entire lives)
Example:
Tank over-run with algae, the bushynose pleco was added to the tank and immediately went to work:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/y2kenny19/before.jpg
Same tank, a couple of days later:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/y2kenny19/after.jpg
2006-09-02 08:01:58 · answer #1 · answered by Kay B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If none of your fish are large or agressive, the Amano shrimp is a very good algae eater. I had a group of 10 of them in a guppy tank and used to move algae covered ornaments from my other tanks into theirs for them to clean. It usually only took 2-3 days depending on the size of the ornament.
Bushynosed plecos are the next best, they are busy little guys and they don't get too big (4-5 inches). A couple in a 20 gallon would be about right. Mine have started spawning for me and I am making some extra money selling them at the local fish auctions.
2006-09-02 08:13:25 · answer #2 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Algae Eater
2006-09-02 10:53:20 · answer #3 · answered by decoyaryan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 30gal freshwater tank and have 2 Plecostomus fish to help control algae. They do a great job but when they grow to 3-4" long, there doesn't seem to be enough algae left in the tank to keep them alive. (then I have to add algae cakes)
Plecostomus usually cost around $5/fish to purchase and can be found in most stores that sell fish!
2006-09-02 08:13:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An algae eater, they will crawl up the sides of the tank and eat the algae. and also the bottom and anywhere there is algae. the bigger the tank the more algae so you may need two. shrimp; will not do algae. the eaters are small usually dark in color.
2006-09-02 08:09:07 · answer #5 · answered by StarShine G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not chinese algae eaters! They are agressive, and they don't do a very good job of it. Plecos or snails. I had a 10gal tank with algae on the sides, and threw 2 snails in there, and 2 days later, the algae was gone. =) I would say snails, they are interesting, and cheap!
2006-09-02 08:58:48 · answer #6 · answered by Carpet Shark Luver 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My favorite is a Chinese algae eater. I also have a 20 gal w/ community fish. The nice thing about the Chinese algae eaters is they do not grow very large. I have 2 and they keep my tank super clean. If you get a plecostomus, it will grow very large over time.
2006-09-02 08:10:43 · answer #7 · answered by here17now36 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know you have already been told about Plecos, but bear in mind that your common plec could reach between 18 and 20 inches in length.
I would recommend seeing if you can find true SAE's (Siamese Algae Eaters). While they too can reach up to 12" - it would be a better choice for your 20g.
Here's some additional information for you on SAE's...
http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0535&view_records=1
2006-09-02 08:14:38 · answer #8 · answered by sly2kusa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A sucker fish. They hang on the side of the tank eating algae all day and night.
2006-09-02 08:04:50 · answer #9 · answered by *Kristy* 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dwarf Suckermouth catfish are the kind I have in pond. These catfish have long been kept in planted and non-planted tanks for algae control. They are small suckermouth catfish that eat soft green algae off tank surfaces and plant leaves. I find them very helpful.
2006-09-02 08:08:47 · answer #10 · answered by Dougeatfresh :D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋