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i wanted to get a small common pelco, to take care of my alage problem, so i don't have to clean it, the tank is a 6 gallon, and once the algae problem is done i will either get rid of it to a lfs, or put it into a 75G, is this a good idea.

Sure, it'll eat the algae that's in there, but the underlying problem will remain. The algae will keep coming back until you solve what is facilitating its growth in the first place.

It's a temporary fix. You need to find a permanant solution.

Joe Potato

As Joe said, getting the algae eaten once won't keep the tank from getting algae. It would be much better to try to solve the algae problem instead...

Maybe an otto for algae control...

PM/email/msg me if you have any questions/comments regarding me or my knowledge or if you want me to read a thread.

Just one otto wouldn’t be a great idea. These fish are happiest when kept in groups; I’d recommend at least three for that tank. However, we need to know some things first. What fish are in that tank, and approximately how large are they? These things are important to know because in a tank that small, just one little problem can quickly become a big one, and foul up the water quality. Ottos are notoriously delicate fish, especially when getting used to a new tank. If, say, nitrates go out of control all of a sudden, you may well have to kiss all of the ottos good-bye. If your tank is stocked to capacity already, you may need to instead just eliminate the main source of your algae trouble.

Some major causes of algae include excess lighting (especially in the absence of live plants) and overfeeding. Overstocking plays a big role too, as too many fish produce too much waste, the nutrients of which algae will draw energy from. If you please, would you divulge your tank’s stocking; type, power, and duration of lighting; and the feeding regimen? Also, if you have any live plants, what types do you have, and how many of each one? Perhaps we can get to the bottom of the algae problem here, so that it is unnecessary to add any algae eaters.

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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 think it's better to get Otos than a common Pleco for a 6Gal. tank.


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id get ottos if i were you because plectos get really big! but like others have said you need to find the nub of the alge problem

you could get a rubber-lipped pleco. They remain small, under 4 inches. I've got one that's less than 2 inches in a 40 gallon tank with a breeding pair of kribs and fry, a school of glowlites, and 2 red-eyed african tetras. Darned if the little guy didn't have the whole tank cleaned up in a couple of weeks. I've heard they don't clean the glass like common plecs, but this one did just fine. Got at Pet Smart for less than 5 bucks.

I think it would just be better to get some MTS. Stay small, eat algae, and won't harm plants. Plus they won't overpopulate if you don't overfeed.