Hair Algae everywhere

[hadjici2]

What do you suggest for a 120 litre planted tank with HAIR ALGAE?

Mollies or Gold Barbs or any other fish that is not to difficult to find in the market....

How many of the suggested fish would be a good number to clean up the 120 litre tank? It would be preferable to be a hardy fish as well!

Would they live alone on algae or do they need feeding as well?

Thanks

 

[George Farmer]

Algae-eating fish are only good at keeping algae under control to a limited extent i.e. a tank which is algae free to start with with the fish eating small amounts as they appear. Most algae-eaters actually prefer dry foods to algae and some sold as algae eaters won't touch algae whilst there is "better" food on offer. I don't believe any fish commonly available can live on algae alone, most prefer a balanced diet which is normally provided by most dry foods. Most Livebearers will eat algae if hungry enough but I would not rely on them alone to control a big problem. Other good algae eaters that may eat hair algae include Siamese Algae Eaters.

If your tank is heavily infested then I would suggest removing the algae manually. If your tank is planted then read my Algae Article http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=88353

If your tank is not planted then limit your lighting to when you are viewing your tank.

Hope this helps.

 

[Slyspy]

I'm not sure whether there are any fish or critters that will eat hair algae. Twirl a toothbrush thought it and carefully pull to clear outbreaks by hand.

 

[Sky042]

as I understand it Flying Foxes will eat hair algae and be happy about it.