2007-02-05 05:17:00 · 5 answers · asked by Steveo 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
i have a 55 gallon tank
2007-02-05 05:39:36 · update #1
Like tuvix said, you don't need an algae eater. Think of an algae eater as a normal fish, which is what they are. They need to be fed (although they'll pick at the algae growing, they need algae wafers, and also veggies and sometime sshrimp pellets if you have a carnivorous species). They also need to be cleaned up after, in fact more than some other fish, because they are poop machines.
If your tank is fully cycled and you want an algae eater because you like them, then consider your tank size. Anything under 15-20 gallons is only suitable for small bottom-feeders / algae eaters like a few corydoras or a few oto cats. If you get up to 30-70 gallons, then you could get a smaller sized pleco, like a bristle-nose, rubber-lip or pitbull.
2007-02-05 05:30:30 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Assuming your tank is cycled you don't need to wait to add an algae eater. The assumption that one needs algae in the tank to keep an algae eater is not only incorrect but it often causes people to think that this is all that is needed in their diet. All algae eaters should be fed a variety of foods, besides what you feed the rest of the fish, plecos and similar algae eating fish do best when their diets are supplemented with algae wafers and fresh veggies such as cucumbers, zucchini and spinach.
Unless you have a large tank, don't get suckered into buying a regular pleco which you'll likely find in quarter sized specimins, these can grow over a foot in very little time. Keep an eye out for dwarf varieties such as the popular bristle nose pleco or Ancistrus.
Hope that helps
2007-02-05 05:26:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Never, if you don't want one. Algae eaters aren't necessary. Most tanks are too small for them and they also like to eat some fish, so they aren't always compatible. If you keep up with water changes, and test the water, you might not ever get enough phosphates for algae to grow. I've had tanks going for years with no algae.
2007-02-05 05:33:56 · answer #3 · answered by bzzflygirl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Whenever, algae eaters are hardy fish. Out of 30 fish i had they survived longest.
2007-02-05 05:36:15 · answer #4 · answered by ►ŦŕǖŦħŦěĿĿęŔ◄ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
getting one in your tank asap is the best thing it will keep all of the algae from building up to fast
2007-02-09 04:48:26 · answer #5 · answered by acstevey1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋