Are there freshwater algae eaters that don't get too big?

Question

I have about 5 tetras (various) and some sort of shark, I forget the name (black with orange tail). I'm getting spotty algae on my glass and was wondering if there was an algae eater that stays small? I've tried wiping it but it's stuck on. I only have a 29 gal. so I would perfer something that didn't get over 3-4 inches. Please help =(

Answer 1

If you can't scrub it off with your finger in a swipe, an algae eater definitely can't eat it.

Anyway, if you insist on getting an algae eater, I suggest a Clown Pleco, or an Otocinclus Catfish.

Ps. You shark sounds like a Red Tailed Shark.


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Answer 2

I have a 5 gal tank with 3 red eyed tetras (had more but they died) I have an Otto in my tank and one has done the job well. I have had him for about 2 years and haven't had an algae problem yet and he has only gotten about 2 1/2 inches long. With a bigger tank like yours you might want to get a few of them. The good news is that they aren't that expensive and are kind of cute and can swim pretty fast unlike the bigger algae eaters so that when the tetras chase them they are harder to catch and pick on.

Answer 3

Ottos are great little cleaners, but by far the best algae eater I've had is the chinese algae eater. They only get about 5 inches, and clean algae very well.

If the algae you are talking about is green, and forms in small spots, the ottos nor the chinese algae eater will get rid of it. It needs to be removed with an algae pad. I have it in my planted 29g as well. It is difficult to remove, with the pad, but the only way I know of.

Answer 4

I have 7 otocinclus catfish in my planted 55. They only eat soft algae, and can be sensitive. I'd give them a moderate to difficult care level. There are a number of plecos that stay relatively small such as bristlenose, zebra (expensive and hard to find and don't eat algae that well), candy pleco, etc, but they may still be larger than you want.

I also keep a variety of small FW shrimps like ghost shrimp and Japonica Amano shrimps to help with algae. There are a variety of snails that will cruise your glass and help keep it clean like apple or mystery snails. They lay eggs above surface of water and don't reproduce rampantly. My ramshorns don't bother my plants, but they could. They breed moderately fast. The only snails that reproduce in plague proportions are the small, football shaped brown "pond" snails. They hitchhike on plants, moslty and lay eggs underwater.

Answer 5

Brand new tooth brush is good on algae! Hong kong pleco(also know as butterfly pleco) will only get 3 inches in long! I seen them at walmart and petsmart.

Answer 6

Oto catfish stay quite small and will do a good job with the algae. Here's a link with pictures and more info about them

http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=1083

Hope that helps

MM