algae eater

[FB3333]

what sort of algae eating fish can i get for my pond?

 

[ryan]

There is no real fish used or called an 'Algae Eater' like the Loricariidae family of fish that are often used in tropical tanks. This is mainly because no fish will eat algae to such an extent, however, most fish will graze on certain forms of algae from time to time, probably the most effective is the Grass Carp. However, this is a very large fish that takes some housing and will eat other plant matter in preferance to algae and if well feed which it should be may leave algae well alone so it is no guarantee.

 

[FB3333]

what about a plaec? (have i spelt that right?)

ive been told these can live in ponds, or am i being mucked about.

 

[ryan]

Plecs are tropical fish from South America, some come from colder climates at high elevations in South America but they are still not adapt to survive life in a pond through winter.

 

[FB3333]

what about a loach or 10???

 

[ryan]

Loaches are cyprinids that will only occasionally graze on light algae forms. There are a coupple of coldwater Loach species that you could keep, Weather Loaches Misgurnus anguillicaudatus there is also a Golden form of these but these are unlikely to touch any algae and to a large Koi this smallish worm shaped fish could end up as accidently food. There is also the Stone Loach Noemacheilus barbatulus, however, these may fall food to large Koi and will not have any affect on Blanket weed.

 

[corrosive]

Would a butterfly pleco be ok? I herd that they have some in C/W tanks at pets at home .

Oh yeh, i have same problem, ive had my new 4ft tank setup for a week and its all ready covered in green algae, and i cant be bothered to clean it manually. lol.

 

[ryan]

Would a butterfly pleco be ok? I herd that they have some in C/W tanks at pets at home .

Oh yeh, i have same problem, ive had my new 4ft tank setup for a week and its all ready covered in green algae, and i cant be bothered to clean it manually. lol.

Hillstream Loaches are unlikely ot survive winters in ponds unless it is a resaonable hot climate. They require fast flowing, well oxygenated water with some broad surfaces to cling on to and feed on tiny algae micro organisms. They would not be suited to life in a Koi pond.

 

[Opcn]

You could put a large albino pleco out in the late spring and take it in in the early fall. I suggest an albino however so you can see it in the pond.

 

[corrosive]

Yes, my gramp did that many years ago with a plec, but the problem he had was when he got it back out the pond it had grown apsolute huge!

 

[bribones]

i find if i only feed the fish 5 days out of 7 it forces them to graze a bit ,enough to keep the levels of algae down anyway ,and the uv does the rest

 

[bshockstubb]

There is a fish that i believe to be called a "high-fin shark" it is from China and can endure cold temps. They are very pretty as juviniles and you must special order them.(I think they cost about $30 bucks) Given that they have enough space, food, and life span; they can live around 15 years and get up to 3' long!

 

[ryan]

Myxocyprinus asiaticus asiaticus or Chinese High Fin Banded Shark is a non tropical bottom dwelling species. Specimens around 40" have been found in the wild but it is unlikely that a fish will reach that size in captivity, they also seem to have a shortened live in captivity. They are Omnivores, feeding on invertabrates of the bottom and also rasping algae from rocks and logs. They are a peaceful fish that does best in groups, however, they cannot survive pond conditions in cooler climates like the UK.

 

[FB3333]

So...

chickity china, the chinese fishy is out of the question for the delightful british winter which is fast approaching then... bummer...

 

[ryan]

So...

chickity china, the chinese fishy is out of the question for the delightful british winter which is fast approaching then... bummer...

Yep.......the wet and wonderful winter.