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my tank has algae everywhere and i need some algae eating fish that will be friendly with my gouramis. any sugestions?

hi
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well, different algae eaters eat different types of algae, so it really depends on what kinds of algae you have. Some good ones to start with are Otocinclus. They're small and won't interfere with other fish, It's good to have a small group of them, at least three or more depending on the size of your tank. If you can possibly find them, Siamese Algae Eaters eat many types of algae, including some that most other species don't. However, they are hard to come by, and there are many similar looking fish that don't eat algae as much and are not desireable in a community aquarium, so only get them if you are absolutely certain you're getting true SAEs.


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any sugestions?

No.

Algae eaters vome in different shapes and sizes. Most will only eat particular types of algae.
Without knowing what type of algae you have or what size tank, it's impossible to reccomend a suitable fish.

Additionally, an algae eater won't solve your problems.Algae eaters are most useful for keeping new algae at bay or under control, most will not touch the old stuff so are not very good for clearing up an existing infestation.

Your best bet is to identify the type of algae you have and get to the root cause of the problem to fix that and keep the algae from coming back.

Once identified you can take measures to solve the problem and then introduce an appropiate algae eater to keep new growth in check.

Sorry but there's no quick fixes when it comes to algae.

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You can add some Oto's or a BN, to prevent alot of Algae, but it's better to do as bensaf said "Your best bet is to identify the type of algae you have and get to the root cause of the problem to fix that and keep the algae from coming back".


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Actually, I've found my BN to be very effective in cleaning away a pre-existing brown algae infestation that discolored both the gravel and the sides of the tank.

Since they are hardier than otos and stay smaller than plecos, I'd recommend them as long as you can provide some hiding spots.

Bubblebrain
Bernard has given you some good advice here and should also be considered before you do anything to your tank

I think you should concentrate on solving the algae problem first, before you introduce any other fish into the tank.

It would be helpful if we could have more infomation about your tank, and your experience with tropical fish as I certainly would not recommend Otos to a beginner. A very small Oto in Aust will cost $10 and I have only ever seen them in one aquarium.
The water temperature, its ph and hardness. your lighting size and type, the food used and how much and how often. These are some factors which can effect the algae. If possible take some of the algae to your local aquarium and see if they can identify it. In the mean time dont add any chemicals to remove the algae as this could cause other problems.

Keith

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Keith, Otto's are really that hard to find in Aus? They're everywhere around here, and my selections aren't the best either. They normally sell for less than $2 a piece. Goes to show you how different things can be on the other side of the world.

Anywho, you can try to ID the algae yourself by checking out the FAQ [link=http://www.fishprofiles.net/faq/algae.asp]http://www.fishprofiles.net/faq/algae.asp" style="COLOR: #800080[/link]. It will give you a good idea of what's causing it too.

i had a brown algae thing, and three days after i got a baby pelco the problem was almost gone.

Everybody keeps mentioning brown algae. Brown algae is the sofest and easiest to remove algae, and generally will disapear itself. Ottos and Plecos will eat even the older brown algae.

But the Green and Red algaes are a completely different story. They are much tougher and harder to remove. Fish are more fussy about eating them, and depending on the type of algae a specific fish may be required.

Again a reccomendation on fish (no matter how well intentioned) shouldn't be made until the original poster tells us more about the algae and his tank. Ottos and Pleco's ARE fine algae eaters but just may not be appropriate in this case.

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.