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I just wanted to get some ideas of what kind of algae eater would go well in a planted aquarium? Something that would not mow down on my beautiful foliage would be nice ... I would prefer something small such as an Otto, but do not like chinese algae eaters (personal preference)

Thanks!
~Pez

What kind of algae is it? If it is soft green or brown algae, then some kind of pleco (preferably Ancistrus or Otocinclus) would be your best bet. If, however, it is filamentous algae, than a Siamese Algae Eater or an American Flag Killie will do the job (though the latter sometimes eats soft plants as well).

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I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

A BN & some Ottos will eat the Algae & leave the Plants alone.


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ottos, but what size tank is it, if large enough mollies have been know to eat algae.

Depending upon the size of your aquarium, you have quite a choice.

For modest sized aquaria, Otocinclus are the premier algae eaters, particularly for brown diatomaceous algae. They will also eat some kinds of green algae (though they prefer to rasp this from plants and bogwood - the algae on glass is somewhat hard work for them).

Next up are the Parotocinclus species, such as parotocinclus maculicauda, and the Hypoptopoma species. Slightly bigger than Otocinclus, and again like the Otocinclus, reasonably gregarious (i.e., keep a small group of them for best results).

For bigger aquaria still, you could choose the Ancistrus species, much beloved on this Board as the Bristlenose Plecs or BNs for short. However, I'd personally recommend that you don't put these in less than a 4ft aquarium, as one or two species can exceed 4 inches and consequently need some space.

For filamentous algal problems, Siamese Algae Eaters, known to science as Crossocheilus siamensis, are SUPERB algae demolishers, but grow FAST. I bought a couple in 1999 to nuke some filamentous algae, and they did the job perfectly - and quadrupled their size in about 6 weeks! They can reach 5 inches or more, and I'd not recommend them long term for anything less than a 4ft aquarium, preferably larger (a 6ft aquarium will suit them nicely).

Jordanella floridae, the Florida Flag Fish, is an excellen algae eater, but can be somewhat territorial, and would probably need a 3ft aquarium to keep it happy if kept with other fishes.

Among the livebearers, the Limia species are excellent algal grazers, and it's possible to find species that will live in modest quarters (say a 2ft aquarium). Some species, however, need a 3ft or preferably larger. They're also difficult to obtain (at least for me in the UK), and you might need to obtain them by special order.

Mollies are good algal grazers, but big Sailfins can hit 6 inches and also have somewhat more stringent water chemistry requirements for long term health. They prefer moderately hard, slightly alkaline water, and some Mollies (particularly wild caught velifera Sailfins) should be kept in a brackish aquarium, as in the wild they're found in tidal estuaries and even out to sea!

If your aquarium is really large (over 6ft), then some of the bigger Plecs will do the job nicely. But you need to have seriously large quarters for some of these - the extreme example being the Adonis Plecs that reach a whopping three feet in length and consequently need a minimum of 500 gallons just to themselves!

Some Hillstream Loaches may also tackle algae. I once wrote a piece about Liniparhomaloptera disparis disparis, which was introduced to the hobby fairly recently and which is reputed to be capable of feeding upon cyanobacteria - this is a fairly small species, but needs a good water current as its natural habitat is fast-flowing and well-oxygenated streams. It also likes temperatures in the cooler range - 18°C to 22°C. Anything above 22°C might be bad for this species.

As I said, you have quite a choice. But it pays to do research on your favoured choices before going out and spending money - a little forward planning before purchase can prevent a lot of expensive heartbreak later!

Hope this helps ...


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

I have algae problems, green algae and black brush. Siamese algae eaters are very hard to find often times fish sellers get them confused with the Siamese Flying Fox. I did not know if my BN would eat the black brush, as commone literature states that only a SAE will do so, but much to my surprise, my BN is eating it!!! She is infinitely enjoying her algae.
The man I bought her from told me my yo-yo loaches are mean and would kill her, but besides idle curiosity, they leave her alone. She doesn't eat what they eat. In fact, she sleeps in their "bat cave" during the day and they nap with her.
My only complaint would be the amount of waste she produces. I'm doing two (25%) water changes a week to keep the tank clean. That should die down a little once all the algae is gone.
My BN is sweet and I like her. I highly recommend.

[font color="#000080"]EDIT: Please don't try to bypass the censor.[/font]

Last edited by sirbooks at 21-Nov-2005 12:41

It will depend on the size of your tank as well. In a previous post I mentioned SAE but they get very lazy as they get fat and older.

Have a look in [link=My Profile]http://
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Keith

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