Another Good Algae Eater

[Nick16]

hi all, currently got a male and female BN in a malawi cihlid tank...
however, i dont want fry so the male will have to go.

i want another plec in the tank that will do some good. (i.e not be lazy, eat some algae and not be a nocturnal catfish)

what are my options?

my tank:

4x2x2, 110 USG

stocking:
rusties, flavus, acei, yellow labs (low agression lake malawi species)

MY TANK WATER IS HARD

 

[Liquid skills]

hi tbh u shouldnt be ralying on ur bn to clean the algae because they are massive poop machienes the more they eat the more they poop the more they poo the more algae grows. its a complete circles see lol ur best bet is to reduce lighting and feeding see if that helps first

 

[xingumike]

Have they actually spawned?

 

[Nick16]

they are still young, but its on the cards, he is still showing interest in her!

i didnt post up for you to tell me about lighting buddy, not everyone is a noob. having spent most of the hobby on the planted side, i understand lighting, algae control and co2/micro/macro fert dosing in order to maintain the balance.

im here to ask questions about other decent plec species that will eat some algae (im not soley relying on them) , tolerate harder water and cichlids, and not get massive!

plus i hate the look of BN bristles, makes them look a mess! unfortunately shops only sell young ones so its very hard to tell.

 

[Jenste]

Clown plecos? I have two and really enjoy them them.

 

[ZoddyZod]

how are malawis with snails? Do they stand a chance?

if so, your hard water might be very welcoming to a group of nerite snails.

 

[xingumike]

Tbh your tank set up is not ideal for any plecos, especially wild caughts.

I would stick with the domestic Ancistrus as you have now, you won't find a more adaptable fish willing to eat algae ime.

 

[Liquid skills]

they are still young, but its on the cards, he is still showing interest in her!

i didnt post up for you to tell me about lighting buddy, not everyone is a noob. having spent most of the hobby on the planted side, i understand lighting, algae control and co2/micro/macro fert dosing in order to maintain the balance.

im here to ask questions about other decent plec species that will eat some algae (im not soley relying on them) , tolerate harder water and cichlids, and not get massive!

plus i hate the look of BN bristles, makes them look a mess! unfortunately shops only sell young ones so its very hard to tell.

u asked a question so insted of making ur problem worse by buying more algae eater i simply offered some more advice so if u already new what to do why dont u do it?

there is no need to be agressive

 

[snazy]

Well, if you really want a pleco that definately eats algae, as most of them prefer other stuff, then check the L168 butterfly pleco. Grows to about 14cm most according to planet catfish and looks stunning.
Someone suggested a clown pleco, but these are wood-eating fish.

Here is a link to a picture of the L168:

http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/image.php?species=dekeyseria+brachyura&image_id=2202