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Can anyone recommend an algae eater for a 20 gal tank? Right now there are 6 tigers barbs in it and the algae is WELL established. I don't really want a BN pleco and ottos might be too fragile to be with the tiger barbs. Could I keep a Chinese algae eater until it outgrew the tank?

You could add the algae eater but, he will quickly outgrow the tank (3-6 months). I was going to suggest a BN but, you said you didn't want one...My next suggestion would be MTS (malaysian trumpet snail). MTS are great little boogers, that will help take care of your algae, will breed without assistance, and will not eat your plants.

First, though before you add anything to the tank, you need to check your water parameters. Be sure you are not overfeeding the fish, and that the lights aren't staying on too long also. Also be surethat you are keeping up with your water changes...if you are doing all of that and the water parameters are in good order, then go for it and get yourself some mts...:88)

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

go with those common chinese algae eaters. they do a great job of eating algae and all you would need is one. If you can find the golden vareity, that would be even better.

hmm, i realy think that the ottos would do a fantastic job, and would be alright with tigers, i have 5 working on my 29 had them for a week excactly and they have cleared 98% of my brown algea problem (and it was bad and everywhere) so i highly recoment these little guys if u have a tank right infromnt of a window then these guys are a good investment, u might never see the algea appear

Ottos would be a good choice, as long as you are willing to try taking care of delicate fish. They can be quite touchy in regard to water quality, and there's a good chance that not all of your ottos would make it.

You said that you didn't want a BN, but would you consider a different algae eating pleco? You could go with either a rubbernose or a butterfly pleco, if you so desired. Each of these fish are tougher than ottos, and will still do a decent job of eating algae. They are both fairly common, as well.

As for the CAE, I wouldn't risk it. Not only will it get too large for that tank, I've heard that they will eventually quit eating algae, and become quite aggressive. Even though you have tough 'ol tiger barbs, a CAE would be too much of a risk, in my opinion.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Hmmm... a BN wouldn't be bad, I'd just rather get a Chinese Algae eater instead (although I certainly would not want to keep one for only 3-6 months). Maybe I'll try out the ottos, we'll see. How many ottos should I get 3, 4?

There is a small snail in my tank right now. I'm not quite sure what kind it is (it came in with one of my plants). I'm also not sure as to what he's eating. If it's algae, he's not doing a very good job though.

sirbooks, I'll definately look into those other kinds of plecos. As for the ottos, I'm not really worried about water quality - I'm sure I'll be fine in that regard.

The Rubbernose would be a good alternative to the BN. Their more active than BN's during the day although I believe the BN is a better algae eater. However the rubbernose would be a cool addition if u can get1


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I happen to have become a philosopher

A CAE will take more than a year to ourgrow your tank. If you want one, you should get it & it will make a good job. If possible, try to find a very small one.

A BN would do a superb job aswell, but you said that you don't want it.



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