These algae eaters are also great because they will eat some of the algae that other algae eaters ignore like black beard algae. We appreciate your asking about this product, Amazon Customer! Thanks, for you comment. If not, I bet that is your problem. Either way my suggestion for all of these is getting a UV sterilizer, and do frequent water changes. If not, how do you deal with ammonia? Algae-eating fish, snails, and shrimp all have their own requirements for tank parameters, so youll either need to choose one that is compatible with the conditions in your tank or alter your tank conditions to suit your new algae eater. One thing to be mindful of is that these snails have a hard time turning over if they should fall on their back, so be careful when handling them. Not enough info here to really help you out. Nerites are intense algae grazers, willing to eat almost any type of algae while not harming any live plants within the aquarium. Otocinclus catfish are moderately easy to care for, but they do need a large tank of at least 30 gallons to ensure they have enough algae to feed on and because they are best kept in schools. Their drive to look for food underneath the substrate effectively makes them plow the soil, so to speak, aerating it for live plants. Example: You may say, I only have 3 fish in my tank. These fish can be housed in community tanks and they are moderately easy to care for as long as they have enough algae to eat. These particular suckerfish get on the larger side (in terms of the fish presented here today), reaching about 10in or so. You should have a minimum of a 75 for just the pleco. prolonged stressful environment Readthis articleto learn how to choose a new clean-up crew for your tank. It will be detrimental to their health. Their preferred water temperature is between 73F and 79F since they come from the tropics in South America. 
This species does well in groups of three or more and they can be kept in tanks with small to medium-sized peaceful fish, though they may be a target for large and aggressive fish like cichlids and goldfish. The first thing you need to consider when choosing your algae eater is, what kind of algae do you have in your tank? These fish prefer a KH between 4 and 8 with pH in the 6.5 to 7.0 range. Their larger size (2in) makes them better able to defend themselves in community tanks, setting them apart from the Cherry shrimp. This particular pleco alge-eater will do well in aquariums that have driftwood and plenty of hiding spots. What was the temperature of the aquarium and was it filtered? 
I have a nano tank. Their favorites, however, are plant algae, glass algae, and substrate algae. They are detrivores and will eat plant and protein matter found underneath the substrate while also coming out to eat soft algae. I dont know much about fish but it sounds like the first one died of swim bladder disorder. This species generally doesnt feed on live aquarium plants with the exception of java fern, so be mindful of that. They prefer a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 but can tolerate some variety in water chemistry. 
hi i had goldfish and a plecostomus and the goldfish were very aggressive with the plecostomus in the night. Algae Control is plant-safe. I have heard that daily dosing is better than weekly dosing. JavaScript is disabled. In the D.C., Maryland, or NOVA area? Ive read everything I could get my hands on, but Ive never asked anyone for fear of being thought of as a Plecostomus killer. Plecs are tropical. Hope this helps and sorry it was so long. An algae eater can be a species of fish or even an invertebrate such as a snail or species of shrimp. Every aquarium has its own unique ecosystem and, accordingly, special care should be taken to meet the needs of an individual tank. Water change frequency? These snails have long, pointed shells similar to the Malaysian trumpet snail and they come in various shades of yellow and brown. tetras Named for their bright red color, cherry shrimp are a great addition to your freshwater cleanup crew, but they are also ornamental. Provided cover (driftwood for any pleco species or plants for the rest) and if you go with common bristlenose if you get a male and female and place a cave in they will readily breed for you. If you dont have aquarium lights that dims or can be set to a nighttime setting, lots of large hiding spots are necessary. Dosage may be repeated if needed every three days for up to three total doses, then clean the aquarium of dead algae. These weird little guys only grow to be around 4in long, allowing them to fit into most medium-sized community aquariums. 3. Generally speaking, however, they do fine with smaller fish. Is this a planted tank? Only a guess. Id like to know if you find your answer. Im thinking about plecos now but there are many others. there are a number of factors that could be at play. My mission is to educate, inform, and entertain on everything that's fish. Though they arent necessarily the best algae-eaters available, they do offer something that our previously mentioned species dont. 2. These fish are easy to care for, though they do grow to a length around 5 inches. Thank you! Named for the shape of their shell (it is shaped like a rams horn), these snails feed on a variety of different types of algae as well as uneaten fish food and decaying plant matter. ATTENTION SHOPPERS, Prices on all sizes of Nualgi increased on January 1, 2021. Did you feed your plecos algae wafers at night when the lights were off? Why is the water cloudier with alge eater. This product requires plenty of aeration and filtration to work safely and effectively. My theory was that he was just getting older and his lifespan was coming to an end, or that the goldfish would suck up some of his pellets and maybe that while it was ok when he was smaller, it became a problem as he got older and needed more? There was a problem completing your request. Can you use this if you have marimo moss balls ? Do you have live plants? Cant say with 100% confidence, because I dont know everything about your setup, but maybe a Bristlenose Pleco. Its fairly common and treatable but it can easily kill a fish. This species does an excellent job of eating algae and also leftover fish food. On top of their impressive algae-eating abilities, theyre capable of being quite the conversation starter. They are known to jump, so you should have some kind of aquarium lid. Not only will they eat some of the least appetizing forms of algae, theyll also help control flatworm populations and eat leftover detritus in the aquarium. It is best to keep them with smaller fish. Here are my top five freshwater snails that eat algae: Known for the zebra-like, black striped pattern on their shells, nerite snails are one of the most popular species of algae-eating snails.
Does my water temperature or lighting have an impact on the algae in my tank? Not clear if your plecs were bristlenose? Chinese algae eaters have been around the aquarium trade for a while. Twig catfish are one of the best catfish algae-eaters in the hobby and are slowly becoming more and more available. Plecostomus varieties usually need certain things in their diet like wood to help with digestion. Bamboo shrimp are reddish-brown in color with a white stripe. I had to replace my plants with plastic ones in this tank because of the BATs and started a 20g fully planted tank. If you are dealing with a specific type of algae, your best bet is to choose an algae eater that will feed on that type of algae. 5. There are a lot of variables. I gave it algae pellets and it at whatever was also in the tank but i learned that you cannot just depend on the pellets and what is in the tank. This and their very calm demeanor make them perfect for most community tanks. Thank you for your question Teresa! Filter Maintenance: The minimum recommended tank size is 20 gallons and they generally require supplemental feeding with algae wafers, though they will feed on most types of algae and specifically green spot algae. tetra riesei axelrodia aquarium plava fredcochui boehlkea tetras aquariumaccessories These snails are true detrivores and will helpfully eat different types of algae, decaying plant matter, and leftover fish food. Due to their expertise in algae removal coupled with their quirky looks and habits, they areglorious additions to your aquatic family. I tested my water, brought it in for samples to make sure my kit was good nothing! If so, how densely planted is it? For this reason, you should be careful about keeping them in a tank with delicate species of fish. This makes them a valuable alternative to the very common Sucker Fish (Hypostomus Plecostomus) that grows to almost two feet long. These fish are particularly good at removing brown algae (diatom algae) and they eat it quickly, before it becomes a problem in your tank.You can check out our detailed guide on Otocinclus care here. It could be the substrate, especially if you went with sand or fine gravel, if thats the case usually waiting a few days could solve the problem. The best thing you can do is to research the options and choose the one that seems like the best fit for your specific aquarium. How many new fish have you added at once? I gave up on them but thought about a bristlenose as my oto is being lazy if wasnt still small after a year I would guess he was a CAE and not an OTO. freshwater aquatic aquarium midnight arts guppy algae nerite tetra betta snail cleaner safe control glass tanks tank fish decor Because they are typically sold as babies, many people do not realize just how large the mystery apple snail can grow (up to the size of a baseball). tank for 11 years. algae guppy I don't feel it's ever good to do a 100% water change because you risk crashing the cycle. The whiptail catfish is omnivorous, so in addition to feeding on algae it will also feed on detritus such as uneaten fish food. There are several variables that may have affected their health long before you got them. These shrimp do best in groups of 2 to 4 can they can be kept in tanks at least 10 gallons in capacity. And an effective algae eater wont just keep algae under control. Test your water quality parameters, vacuum and do partial water changes more often and look at changing the light bulb or type of lighting on the tank. Instead, algae-eaters should be understood to describe a rather large group of fish and invertebrates, each with their own specific needs and requirements for your tank type.
Algae eaters (also known as a clean up crew) are an integral part of the aquarium hobby, due to their ability to manage and help keep your tanks ecosystem balanced. They're fun to watch too. Mystery snails, a smaller species of Apple snail, are a very popular snail that can be found at almost any local fish store. Assassin snails eat other snails, but do not reproduce rapidly. Ghost shrimp grow up to 2 inches in length and they are easy to care for in a 10-gallon tank with a temperature range of 68F to 85F, a KH between 3 and 10, and a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Assuming you keep your water quality clean and stable, youll mainly just have to focus on making sure that the different personalities for your aquatic citizens mesh well together. The second one died a horrible death. The red coloration is a bright red and it is interesting to note that their skin is the same color as their blood. Some s. erythrozonus hemigrammus glowlight tetra I have a nice 60 gallon tank. algae ponds hemigrammus coeruleus tetra real age of the plecos at purchase. Rabbit snails need at least 30 gallons of tank size and they prefer slightly cooler water temperatures between 68F and 74F. What are your water parameters? If there are any of the things I mentioned that you are not doing, that could be your problem. Should I be concerned about overdosing Nualgi? On average, mollies grow 2 to 4 inches in length and they prefer a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. These guys do best in groups are do remarkably well in planted aquariums. Your email address will not be published. i also have several glow fish. I have one who lives in a 50 gallon live planted community tank. Aptly named for their see-through bodies, ghost shrimp are not quite as effective as amano shrimp or cherry shrimp in the algae-eating department, but they will certainly help if you have an algae problem.
I have platys, white and back skirt tetras, neon tetras and corrys. I have thousands of them in my filter to prove it. Whether you want to learn more about starting a new aquarium or just more advanced nuances to clean your systemfor better tank photography, this article will explain our favorite options. They prefer warmer water temperatures and they require an herbivorous diet to supplement their feeding on algae. If you ever see this, I hope it helps! You need to add fresh carbon to the filter and do a large partial water change of around 50%. They both lived with the same tribe but years apart, and the aquarium had been changed to a larger one. Your tank actually isnt big enough. It really is strange though and I was also scared by the death as his condition and his colour just deteriorated over the timespan of less than a week!
The activity level of your bottom dwellers:
This species is great at eating various types of soft algae as well as decaying plant matter and some leftover fish food. Then they wake up and breed. Also the larger the pleco, the more food it needs. Most likely the temperature and the waste is your issue over time. A better way to control algae in a tank housing inverts is to pair regular vacuuming of the gravel with regular partial water changes about every one to two weeks. Good Luck! And so nothing left for bottom feeders
Goldfish are cold water fish.. Required fields are marked *. This species does well in community tanks and gets along with other bottom-feeders, but they shouldnt be kept with large or aggressive species like cichlids. Plecos also love Greens (green vegetables) like a small piece of raw Zucchini or tiny piece of lettuce or green bean once in a while (dont be surprised if its gone/consumed by the next day). Bristlenose plecos are a great addition to most aquariums. They also need places to hide in the tank because they tend to be very shy. A high nitrate level causes slow health issues over time. Lets go over your options for algae eating fish: The Siamese algae eater is one of the most effective algae-eating fish because it feeds on a variety of different types of algae.
This species does well in groups of three or more and they can be kept in tanks with small to medium-sized peaceful fish, though they may be a target for large and aggressive fish like cichlids and goldfish. The first thing you need to consider when choosing your algae eater is, what kind of algae do you have in your tank? These fish prefer a KH between 4 and 8 with pH in the 6.5 to 7.0 range. Their larger size (2in) makes them better able to defend themselves in community tanks, setting them apart from the Cherry shrimp. This particular pleco alge-eater will do well in aquariums that have driftwood and plenty of hiding spots. What was the temperature of the aquarium and was it filtered? I have a nano tank. Their favorites, however, are plant algae, glass algae, and substrate algae. They are detrivores and will eat plant and protein matter found underneath the substrate while also coming out to eat soft algae. I dont know much about fish but it sounds like the first one died of swim bladder disorder. This species generally doesnt feed on live aquarium plants with the exception of java fern, so be mindful of that. They prefer a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 but can tolerate some variety in water chemistry. hi i had goldfish and a plecostomus and the goldfish were very aggressive with the plecostomus in the night. Algae Control is plant-safe. I have heard that daily dosing is better than weekly dosing. JavaScript is disabled. In the D.C., Maryland, or NOVA area? Ive read everything I could get my hands on, but Ive never asked anyone for fear of being thought of as a Plecostomus killer. Plecs are tropical. Hope this helps and sorry it was so long. An algae eater can be a species of fish or even an invertebrate such as a snail or species of shrimp. Every aquarium has its own unique ecosystem and, accordingly, special care should be taken to meet the needs of an individual tank. Water change frequency? These snails have long, pointed shells similar to the Malaysian trumpet snail and they come in various shades of yellow and brown. tetras Named for their bright red color, cherry shrimp are a great addition to your freshwater cleanup crew, but they are also ornamental. Provided cover (driftwood for any pleco species or plants for the rest) and if you go with common bristlenose if you get a male and female and place a cave in they will readily breed for you. If you dont have aquarium lights that dims or can be set to a nighttime setting, lots of large hiding spots are necessary. Dosage may be repeated if needed every three days for up to three total doses, then clean the aquarium of dead algae. These weird little guys only grow to be around 4in long, allowing them to fit into most medium-sized community aquariums. 3. Generally speaking, however, they do fine with smaller fish. Is this a planted tank? Only a guess. Id like to know if you find your answer. Im thinking about plecos now but there are many others. there are a number of factors that could be at play. My mission is to educate, inform, and entertain on everything that's fish. Though they arent necessarily the best algae-eaters available, they do offer something that our previously mentioned species dont. 2. These fish are easy to care for, though they do grow to a length around 5 inches. Thank you! Named for the shape of their shell (it is shaped like a rams horn), these snails feed on a variety of different types of algae as well as uneaten fish food and decaying plant matter. ATTENTION SHOPPERS, Prices on all sizes of Nualgi increased on January 1, 2021. Did you feed your plecos algae wafers at night when the lights were off? Why is the water cloudier with alge eater. This product requires plenty of aeration and filtration to work safely and effectively. My theory was that he was just getting older and his lifespan was coming to an end, or that the goldfish would suck up some of his pellets and maybe that while it was ok when he was smaller, it became a problem as he got older and needed more? There was a problem completing your request. Can you use this if you have marimo moss balls ? Do you have live plants? Cant say with 100% confidence, because I dont know everything about your setup, but maybe a Bristlenose Pleco. Its fairly common and treatable but it can easily kill a fish. This species does an excellent job of eating algae and also leftover fish food. On top of their impressive algae-eating abilities, theyre capable of being quite the conversation starter. They are known to jump, so you should have some kind of aquarium lid. Not only will they eat some of the least appetizing forms of algae, theyll also help control flatworm populations and eat leftover detritus in the aquarium. It is best to keep them with smaller fish. Here are my top five freshwater snails that eat algae: Known for the zebra-like, black striped pattern on their shells, nerite snails are one of the most popular species of algae-eating snails. 
Does my water temperature or lighting have an impact on the algae in my tank? Not clear if your plecs were bristlenose? Chinese algae eaters have been around the aquarium trade for a while. Twig catfish are one of the best catfish algae-eaters in the hobby and are slowly becoming more and more available. Plecostomus varieties usually need certain things in their diet like wood to help with digestion. Bamboo shrimp are reddish-brown in color with a white stripe. I had to replace my plants with plastic ones in this tank because of the BATs and started a 20g fully planted tank. If you are dealing with a specific type of algae, your best bet is to choose an algae eater that will feed on that type of algae. 5. There are a lot of variables. I gave it algae pellets and it at whatever was also in the tank but i learned that you cannot just depend on the pellets and what is in the tank. This and their very calm demeanor make them perfect for most community tanks. Thank you for your question Teresa! Filter Maintenance: The minimum recommended tank size is 20 gallons and they generally require supplemental feeding with algae wafers, though they will feed on most types of algae and specifically green spot algae. tetra riesei axelrodia aquarium plava fredcochui boehlkea tetras aquariumaccessories These snails are true detrivores and will helpfully eat different types of algae, decaying plant matter, and leftover fish food. Due to their expertise in algae removal coupled with their quirky looks and habits, they areglorious additions to your aquatic family. I tested my water, brought it in for samples to make sure my kit was good nothing! If so, how densely planted is it? For this reason, you should be careful about keeping them in a tank with delicate species of fish. This makes them a valuable alternative to the very common Sucker Fish (Hypostomus Plecostomus) that grows to almost two feet long. These fish are particularly good at removing brown algae (diatom algae) and they eat it quickly, before it becomes a problem in your tank.You can check out our detailed guide on Otocinclus care here. It could be the substrate, especially if you went with sand or fine gravel, if thats the case usually waiting a few days could solve the problem. The best thing you can do is to research the options and choose the one that seems like the best fit for your specific aquarium. How many new fish have you added at once? I gave up on them but thought about a bristlenose as my oto is being lazy if wasnt still small after a year I would guess he was a CAE and not an OTO. freshwater aquatic aquarium midnight arts guppy algae nerite tetra betta snail cleaner safe control glass tanks tank fish decor Because they are typically sold as babies, many people do not realize just how large the mystery apple snail can grow (up to the size of a baseball). tank for 11 years. algae guppy I don't feel it's ever good to do a 100% water change because you risk crashing the cycle. The whiptail catfish is omnivorous, so in addition to feeding on algae it will also feed on detritus such as uneaten fish food. There are several variables that may have affected their health long before you got them. These shrimp do best in groups of 2 to 4 can they can be kept in tanks at least 10 gallons in capacity. And an effective algae eater wont just keep algae under control. Test your water quality parameters, vacuum and do partial water changes more often and look at changing the light bulb or type of lighting on the tank. Instead, algae-eaters should be understood to describe a rather large group of fish and invertebrates, each with their own specific needs and requirements for your tank type.
Algae eaters (also known as a clean up crew) are an integral part of the aquarium hobby, due to their ability to manage and help keep your tanks ecosystem balanced. They're fun to watch too. Mystery snails, a smaller species of Apple snail, are a very popular snail that can be found at almost any local fish store. Assassin snails eat other snails, but do not reproduce rapidly. Ghost shrimp grow up to 2 inches in length and they are easy to care for in a 10-gallon tank with a temperature range of 68F to 85F, a KH between 3 and 10, and a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Assuming you keep your water quality clean and stable, youll mainly just have to focus on making sure that the different personalities for your aquatic citizens mesh well together. The second one died a horrible death. The red coloration is a bright red and it is interesting to note that their skin is the same color as their blood. Some s. erythrozonus hemigrammus glowlight tetra I have a nice 60 gallon tank. algae ponds hemigrammus coeruleus tetra real age of the plecos at purchase. Rabbit snails need at least 30 gallons of tank size and they prefer slightly cooler water temperatures between 68F and 74F. What are your water parameters? If there are any of the things I mentioned that you are not doing, that could be your problem. Should I be concerned about overdosing Nualgi? On average, mollies grow 2 to 4 inches in length and they prefer a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. These guys do best in groups are do remarkably well in planted aquariums. Your email address will not be published. i also have several glow fish. I have one who lives in a 50 gallon live planted community tank. Aptly named for their see-through bodies, ghost shrimp are not quite as effective as amano shrimp or cherry shrimp in the algae-eating department, but they will certainly help if you have an algae problem.
I have platys, white and back skirt tetras, neon tetras and corrys. I have thousands of them in my filter to prove it. Whether you want to learn more about starting a new aquarium or just more advanced nuances to clean your systemfor better tank photography, this article will explain our favorite options. They prefer warmer water temperatures and they require an herbivorous diet to supplement their feeding on algae. If you ever see this, I hope it helps! You need to add fresh carbon to the filter and do a large partial water change of around 50%. They both lived with the same tribe but years apart, and the aquarium had been changed to a larger one. Your tank actually isnt big enough. It really is strange though and I was also scared by the death as his condition and his colour just deteriorated over the timespan of less than a week!
The activity level of your bottom dwellers:
This species is great at eating various types of soft algae as well as decaying plant matter and some leftover fish food. Then they wake up and breed. Also the larger the pleco, the more food it needs. Most likely the temperature and the waste is your issue over time. A better way to control algae in a tank housing inverts is to pair regular vacuuming of the gravel with regular partial water changes about every one to two weeks. Good Luck! And so nothing left for bottom feeders
Goldfish are cold water fish.. Required fields are marked *. This species does well in community tanks and gets along with other bottom-feeders, but they shouldnt be kept with large or aggressive species like cichlids. Plecos also love Greens (green vegetables) like a small piece of raw Zucchini or tiny piece of lettuce or green bean once in a while (dont be surprised if its gone/consumed by the next day). Bristlenose plecos are a great addition to most aquariums. They also need places to hide in the tank because they tend to be very shy. A high nitrate level causes slow health issues over time. Lets go over your options for algae eating fish: The Siamese algae eater is one of the most effective algae-eating fish because it feeds on a variety of different types of algae.