Good algae eaters

[rdd1952]

I plan to stock my new 75 gallon tank (fully cycled) tomorrow. I need 2 to 4 good algae eaters. I have narrowed it down to 2 fish (I think), brustle nose catfish or burshy nose plecos. Can anyone give me info on how good they are and how many I need to 75 gallon. Any other good AEs besides these 2? I've got otos in my 29 gallon and I can't seem to keep them alive so I don't want otos. BTW, since this tank has been cycling with the lights on there is a LOT of algae to clean up right now.

 

[Ferris]

Bristlenose Plecs are pretty much regarded as one of the best algae eaters around, i would say up to 6 in your tank. In a 75 gal you could also consider a sailfin Plec, i have 1 in my Mbuna tank (55 gal) and he keeps it spotless (and i mean spotless). They don't much like their own species though so best with 1.

 

[SirMinion]

The problem with sailfins (Gibbeceps) is that they get very large- too big for 55 gallons, and as they get bigger they become less and less active and will cease to keep the tank algae free.

 

[utahfish]

get a pack of ottos or rubber lipped. ottos are busy around the tank and rubbers like the glass more.

 

[rdd1952]

Well,when we went out shopping tonight, I didn't find either of the BN caftish or plecs but did find SAEs and got 5 (buy 4 get one free). I haven't had any experience with them but everything I've read says that they are good. I guess I will find out. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[NikkiY]

How about getting couple of oto? They are little things that love to eat algae. In my algae eating collection, I also have a couple of rosy barbs. I found them execellent in removing the hair algae. BTW, it is fun to watch them sucking and pulling the hair algae from the plant too

Nikki

 

[rdd1952]

I have otos in my 29 gallon but I really have a problem keeping them alive. My water parameters are perfect but I have lost 3 since the first of the year. They don't show any signs of sickness. When I went to bed on Monday all four seemed to be fine. I got up the next morning and one was laying dead on the bottom. As far as eating algae, they cleaned the tops of the leaves off like a vacuum but didn't get anything off the edges. It also seems that if you ever give them comething like cucumber as a treat, they never want algae again.

 

[Ferris]

The problem with sailfins (Gibbeceps) is that they get very large- too big for 55 gallons, and as they get bigger they become less and less active and will cease to keep the tank algae free.

The tank in question is a 75 gal but if your referring to mine, don't worry he's going in a 125 gal soon . He's about 12 inches now and still very active, the Mbuna keep him on his toes, he spends most of his time chasing them around