Adding a bottom feeder?

[juliethegr8t]

In my signature is information on the current inhabitants of my tank, and now I'm wondering if I could fit in a bottom feeder (loach, pleco, what?) of any sort (or maybe an algae eater?). My Zebras are so darned messy, they send quite a bit of food to the bottom and never clean it up! I'd really love to have another interesting fish who also proves helpful . I realize I'm probably already overstocked but my levels are now stable and everyone is getting along alright. If I were to get one, I realize it would probably get too big for my tank, but I would of course give it someone or back to the pet store once it outgrew my tank. I don't want a cramped fishie! Or is there anything that would stay small? I obviously don't think I could fit in more than one fish, so I need something that could be by itself happily. I've considered getting a rainbow or red tailed shark, and then relocating it when it got too big. What does everyone thinks? Opinions are always helpful, thanks!

 

[Gabe]

I would say that if you are looking for a fish to clean up after your zebras, you would want a scavenger, not and algea eater. My suggestion would be a pygmy cory, but they need to be in groups. I'm sure someone else will be able to help you out more, because as you said you have quite a few fish as is. Hope I helped a little at least

Gabe

 

[Liz05]

I suggest a dwarf frog? They're fairly cheap, very cute, and will pick at leftovers from the bottom. They stay small, to my knowledge... you could probably get a couple. Or maybe try a twig cat (farlowella), although I'm not sure how big those get.

 

[baseballfan111]

2 or 3 albino cories my fav fish

 

[Lipreader]

I had the same problem, my fishes would eat the food that is floating but once the food fall to the ground, they don't bother with it. So I went out and got two albino cory because they say small and I have a small 5.5 gal tank. They are great. They really clean up at the bottom and when I shift the gravel to see if any food hiding underneath, no food was left uneaten. Best cleaning crew I have!

 

[juliethegr8t]

Alrighty from what I've read after hearing the opinions so far, I found out albino cories get about 2 - 3'' and cories like company. However, I looked into panda cories, and they seem to stay around 1.25'' and are pretty cute... anyone have experience with them? I would like the smallest possible so that I can keep them happy with company if necessary. Also, the frog idea may be just perfect. I've always thought they were SO cute. But would they get enough food off the bottom (my danios do drop quite a bit), would they be compatible with all my fish, and do I need to feed them live foods? I've read that I should (feed live), and if that's needed I'm not sure I want them since that's a bit of a hassle for me. Otherwise I'm a little excited, I think that would be a lot of fun.

 

[baseballfan111]

get the cories hikari sinking wafers i feed 2 a day its cool 2 see them eat it sometimes all 3 will be on one tiny wafer lol

i dont know about pandas but you have enough room just get albino cories

 

[pebbles]

hi julie, corys would be very good choice,but... i would see if your fish store would take a few of your danios back first.i have panda corys and they are lovely little entertaining fish ,but if you overstock too much all the fish will suffer .they do need to be kept in groups of preferably 3 or more,they are tough little things but water quality is important to them. although they will help to clean up the bottom they do need their own food as well,sinking food of some sort,or algea wafers.like all fish they like fresh or live food,i cant always give mine that so they have frozen blocks that come in a mixture and they have bloodworm as a special treat. i just defrost and put into the tank.they love it ,it just gives them a change in their diet,. pebbles

 

[njparton]

I love my cories and they even survived my tank cycle.

I'd advise geting at least 2 - they don't grow much more than 2 or 3 cm and they like each others company. Mine never leave each others side