Is there an algea eater that will live with a dwarf groumi and guppies?

Question

I want one that stays small enough to not eat the guppies yet still cleans my 25gal. tank.

ok I got a rubber lip pleco? They said it should be fine.

Answer 1

Most plecos simply get too large and I would avoid chinese algae eaters like the plague they are large and aggressive. Otocinclus are the best answer of all.

MM

Answer 2

You want to avoid the common (Chinese), and gold (also Chinese) algae eaters. Siamese algae eaters, and Oto are herbivores and stay small. Also their are a number of small breed pleco. Clown, rubber lipped/bull nosed, bristlenosed, and others. These guys top out at about 5-6 inches. A common pleco will grow to 1-2 feet depending on the species.

PS- Clown pleco, and to a lesser degree most pleco with do best if they have a piece of driftwood to chew on in the tank.

Answer 3

"Algae eater" is not the name of a specific fish and is, instead, a general, unofficial name given to a group of fish that eat algae. There are loaches, catfish, plecostomus, freshwater gobies, etc. Loaches can grow anywhere from 4 inches to 12 inches. Cory catfish and otocinclus only grow to around 2 inches, while other catfish can grow to 3 feet. Plecostomus can grow anywhere from 3 inches to 12 inches. So, clearly, it is important that you, not only do your research to find out which fish grow to the size you need, but to make sure that you buy this fish and not mistake it for another type of fish. Thus, I would suggest that you make sure you ask very specifically for the certain fish you want and if there is any hesitation in the response of the person selling you the fish, question their knowledge. Get these fish from a LFS, local fish store, and not a local LPS, like Petco, Petsmart or WalMart because it is more than likely they have no idea what it is either. They should specialize in only fish. Or buy it from a reputable online dealer.

Answer 4

Otocinclous would be the best choice. However, they do best in a well-planted tank in a group of 5 or more. They also need pristine water conditions--50% weekly water changes are a must!

If you are looking for an algae eater solely for the reason of cleaning your tank, stop looking. There is no algae eater that consistently eats every kind of algae, and they all add to the bioload of the tank. If algae on the sides of your tank bothers you, your best bet is to get an algae magnet to clean it off.

Answer 5

Try a clown plecostomus. If they don't have one at your fish store, ask them to special order you one. most will. They will need some driftwood though. Dont' get a regular plecostomus, it will get far too big. Apple snails will also work, and they aren't asexual, so they won't breed like crazy.

And just to emphasize, many pleco species require driftwood, they actually eat it. So if you get one, get driftwood.

I wouldnt' recommend an otto catfish, they are small, but an be a bit difficult to keep alive. Snails (apple or mystery only) or a clown pleco or other small variety (not a common pleco) would be you rbest bet.

Answer 6

Plecostomus are the most famed algea eaters and they do tend to grow very large. My pleco got to be over 6 inches in the 20gallon tank he lived in for years.
There are also fish found in the LPS named "Algea Eaters" I never owned one but they always seemed to have looked busy.
The Coridoras breed of bottom feeders are very friendly and entertaining, and they can get pretty big too, but their mouths don't get large enough to really eat other fish.
I'm sure if you choose a fish you like then it should turn out fine.

Answer 7

I've never had an algae eater eat or attack another fish. But my male gourami killed my algae eater and all his other tank mates. So I'd be more concerned about the temperment of the gourami. I hope you find something compatible.

Answer 8

I would recommend an 4 ottos. I have had two for a while now and they haven't died or anything. Ottos real name is otocinclus.

Answer 9

A plecostomus is generally compatible.