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Which would be better for a 30g tank in algae eating vs. waste ratio (See Profile for pic and info). I know someone is going to say my tank is overcrowded. Just so you know... I KNOW ALREADY Thanks.

Chris

So...If you already know, why do u keep adding?

10gallon: 8neons 5gallon: 1betta
1oto
2platys

lol, I... I dont know. But can someone please answer my original question?

Chris

nothing as overstocked, plus a gold nugget and most fancy plecos while tend to be smaller than the common pleco, are not really good at algae eatting.

once u up grade to a 200 + gallon tank, than you can look at a 24 inches common pleco, but untill then, do it by hand.

also if you dont ever change your water, and your tanks are overstocked, u really know that their should be no more fish. just look at the 30 gallon pic, that servurm is huge for that tank, my uncles golden ones are around 11''-1 foot long.

Well, how big do common plecos get, because i really need some algae control for those really tricky places. Also when i get rid of my cats, my tank is only a little overcrowded with the 1 gallon per inch rule.

P.S. I do change ym water frequently now, I just got 4 1 gallon jugs which make this very easy.

Chris

the 1 inch per gallon rule doesn't apply to these fishes, as these fish have a greater potiental size than lets say a cardinal tetra.

for example, my 5 inch jaradini arowana can't follow the 1 inch per gallon rule, as a 5 gallon tank for a animal who can reach at least 36 inches. so that rule doesn't apply to larger fishes like the cichlids and cats involved.

even without the two catfish, a 90 gallon tank i would think be the mini for a common pleco. the profile here says around 18 inches, but i do believe that they can reach 24 inches.

But i would like to know for future tank, Which would be better for a 30g tank in algae eating vs. waste ratio. Tiger Pelco or Gold Nugget Pleco. If you had to choose.

P.S. Most of you know i tend to overcrowd and I am still a begginner...

Chris

You do have to look at the eventual size of your fish when deciding stock, not how large they are at present. The fish you have will get a good deal bigger than they currently are. Unless you have another tank for them already, I strongly recommend against adding any more fish. In fact, all those fish are what's causing your problem with algae. Adding an algae-eating pleco would make the pollution problem worse- even though the algae may be consumed, the nutrients promoting its growth will be more plentiful than before.

For size, common plecos normally grow at least a little over a foot, gold nuggets hit seven or eight inches, and tiger plecos (if you mean L002) reach around four inches. Neither L002 or gold nuggets eat much algae at all, judging by my observations. But again, putting another fish in that aquarium is not a good idea. The algae is actually somewhat good for your tank, because it uses up some of the nutrients which are potentially dangerous to your fish in high levels.

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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."

Well what about a snail? They arn't that bad are they? If not, what kind of snails would go in my tank?

Chris

How about another question, If i were to have a Gold Nugget Pleco with my current tank w/o the two cats in there, What is the CORRECT size the tank should be?

Chris

it would have to be big like an apple snail, as i would guess that an african knife when they get around 10+ inches will eat most small snails.

again with all of those fish + potiental size, w/o catfish and with a gold nugget a 90 gallon tank would be best, as silver dollars would like some buddies and they do get big and are long lived fish. and an african knife is not a small customer, and again the servum should be ok in a 55 gallon (if it was by itself)

But an apple snail will do without doing much to my parameters and Biological stuff?

Chris

Snails still produce waste, and are fairly dirty critters for their size. They poop a lot, especially if they have plenty to eat. Not only that, there's a chance that your cichlids could decide to kill the snails. I don't think severums are known to do this, but blood parrots are more unpredictable.

I would say at the very least a 75 gallon tank, but a 90 or a 125 would provide more room for your fish and even allow you to get another silver dollar or two. The bigger tanks would greatly improve the welfare of your fish, especially if combined with regular, frequent water changes.

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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."

I do water changes now, I have one gallon jugs that make it easier. Okay so the question at hand now is Will my fish eat an Apple Snail. I dont really have much room in my room for tanks and i dont earn a lot. I was lucky to buy this tank from some kid for $75. BTW i am a young adult i am lucky to have a job. I am one of the only kids my age who do. I get $10 an hour but i only work on weekends for 4 hours at a time.

Chris

fish keeping is not a hobby that is easy on the wallet. and if it is a problem that stop fishkeeping for now as it will always be there when you decide to come back.

and a python hose will make water changes much easier.

Well, I already have a good way of siphoning. But will a Apple Snail live in my tank?

fish keeping is not a hobby that is easy on the wallet.

Does that mean you guys are all rich?

EDIT: I just looked up Phython Siphon and i am amazed at how easy that looks, altough i dont have a screw on faceut, Looks Awesome though.

Chris

no, not all but for most there is enough money and pashion and love to do fishkeeping in the general right direction.

dont forget it adds to money issues when you buy fishes that will die b/c of inproper conditions leading a circle of waste of money.

u can try a snail, but again take good with the bad. but again i dont really see the full job getting done. in this case i would risk chems for the job if absoulty ness.

... Betta you just put the most important thing into perspective for me.

dont forget it adds to money issues when you buy fishes that will die b/c of inproper conditions leading a circle of waste of money.

That statement just changed the way i looked at fish keeping... Know i know how to become a better fish keeper. Thank you so much Betta!

Chris

Bristle nose pleco is good at eating alge.

10gallon: 8neons 5gallon: 1betta
1oto
2platys

Bristlenoses are great when they are small, but I've found once they grow they tend to become lazy and would rather rasp on driftwood and plants ... and they produce lots of waste. I dont recommend them.

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Those who say they cant, Never will !!!