Algae

[New Boy]

I’ve got quite a bit of green algae (mainly due to high phosphate) and am hoping to get two clown plecos this weekend – do they eat green algae as well as bristlenoses? Would 3 bristlenoses and 2 clown plecos be overdoing it for my 80 us gallon tank?

Thanks
Andy

 

[modernhamlet]

Clown loaches do not each algae. They eat a variety of foods, including flake and frozen, but really love live worms. They also are most happy in groups. 3 is fine, 5 is better.

Those plecos will both work on algae, though the the clown pleco is a wood eater, so driftwood is a must. I don't know about how many you'd need/want. Someone else might be able to address territorial and related issues.

One good option is to get a school of 6 or so otos. They're great algae eaters, stay small, and apparently don't produce anywhere near the waste of their bigger cousins.

Another option is the Siamese Algae Eater. One of them would be a great addition to any community tank, especially one with algae problems.

Edit: I just noticed you already have 3 siamensis! Sorry! )