Which kind of algae-eater is best for my tank?

Question

I have a 55 gallon aquarium with 5 neon tetras.

I mainly want to make sure that my neons want get accidently sucked up by the algae eater.

Answer 1

there are dozens and dozens of different kinds of plecs, algae eaters, catfish.

what else are you planning to stock your tank with? and do you have an algae problem and that's why you want an algae eater?

with otocinclus, you need to have a mature (aged) tank that's riddled with algae BEFORE adding them, they're prone to starvation if theres not enough food for them to eat, if they eat all your algae, as with any catfish, they will need to be supplemented with fresh veges (like blanched cucumber or courgette) and plec wafers.

if you decide on a plec, get a positive ID before you buy!! the first link below is a very handy list of plecs that stay UNDER 8". some are much harder to come by than others though so don't pin your hopes on one particular one! remember, plecs are BIG waste producers and regular vacuuming of your gravel is a must, so much poopy!

avoid Chinese Algae Eaters, who also go by the name sucking loach or golden sucking loach. Once these guys grow over 4" their diet becomes fish-based rather than algae based and your fish will begin to disappear!

however the Siamese Algae Eater is a peaceful community fish who will do well in a 55 gallon set up. the second link below has pictures and details of these fish that are labelled "algae eaters" so you can ID them and not get something unsuitable.

the third link below is to the best catfish website on the whole web, it has a HUGE catalogue of catfish!

Answer 2

I agree with Nyx's answer that Otocinclus would be good for you (they do not grow more than maybe 1.5-2 inches). I have 5 tetra and some other fish in my 25 gallon with 2 Otocinclus. Pleco's can grow up to a ridiculously large size and Chinese algae eaters are pretty aggressive, but Cory catfish might be another good choice, although these are schooling fish.

Answer 3

Avoid the common pleco Sp, these can grow up to 2 foot in size and with neons being middle to bottom statra they might get vacumed up with such a huge mouth lol.


Ideally if you want a plec go for the dwarf ones. bristlenose plecs are most common. I have been fter a clown plec L104 but just cant get one. Also you could try cory catfish, these only grow an inch or two and are kept in groups of 4 min, they eat algae aswell. My group have ate all my algae that was growing on a plant pot.

Answer 4

I would recommend one of the smaller varieties of plecos. Bristlenose are fairly common and reasonably priced. Common plecos grow quite large and get too big for a 55 gallon tank. Chinese Algae Eaters get quite aggressive as they get bigger and would eventually hassle or even kill your smaller fish. If you plan on staying with smaller fishes Otos are awesome little guys that would do well in a small group of 3-4.

MM

Answer 5

a large algae eater would be a grate size for the tank . but because you have 5 very small tetras. they would not Purdue's enough crap.
for the algae eater to eat . id buy some algae tablet ,and SOME MORE FISH. good Luck

Answer 6

I would go with a trio of Otocinclus. They max out at about 2" and are a great little algae eater.

Answer 7

Smaller plecos are ok or maybe you could try and use like about 6 small guppies or mollies, theyre also good algae cleaners.
I think you could try and use small chinese algae eaters.

Answer 8

A pleco (plecostomus) sp? They look like little cat fish... I actually think they're related to cat fish... My sister used to call them "sucker fish" because they get on the side of the tank with their big lips and just suck away. They clean a tank spotless in no time and are not harmful to other fish. They grow depending on the size of your tank. Plus, they're cool.

Answer 9

You might want to try using a couple slugs because they eat algae and they won't bother the fish nor will the fish bother them.

Answer 10

Hi :)

I suggest you get sucker mouth cat. I would get the golden algae dwarf one. I had several of them in my tank and didn't harm any of my fish :)