How Soon

[john starkey]

Hi can some tell me how soon i can add algae eaters such as amano shrimps,otocinclus,and flying foxs after ihave set up my high tech planted tank. Thanks

 

[Dave Spencer]

I added Amanos and Otos after a week. As you probably know, a high tech tank won`t go through a cycle provided there is sufficient plant mass, so Ammonia and nitrites are not an issue. I guess it will just be down to whether there is enough algae in there for them.

Dave.

 

[RickT]

I added two SAEs and two otocinclus after 2 weeks in a heavily planted tank with CO2. Then added 4 more otocinclus the following week, followed by an ancistrus the week after. All survived quite happily (and are still going strong 2 months down the line). As long as you have enough fast growing stem plants you shouldn't get a measurable ammonia spike.
Rick

 

[Themuleous]

BTW SAE are ok but they quickly get bored of eating algae and will just eat the flake food you add for the other fish. They also get quite big.

Sam

 

[lljdma06]

I'm going to play Devil's advocate, here. If you have a hi-tech tank, and do all procedures correctly, why would you have algae? I don't know, though I love my little otos, I got them because I wanted them, but not to solve my algae problems. To be honest, I think that the causes of algae issues need to be addressed rather than relying on an organism to take care of it for you. It'll give you a false sense of security and won't, IMO, encourage what you should be doing, which is finding the right balance for your aquarium. I don't know, just my take on things.

llj

 

[Dave Spencer]

I'm going to play Devil's advocate, here. If you have a hi-tech tank, and do all procedures correctly, why would you have algae?
llj

I would say a high tech tank suppresses algae to virtually unnoticeable levels, but it is still there, just waiting around the corner.

Dave.

 

[RickT]

I'm going to play Devil's advocate, here. If you have a hi-tech tank, and do all procedures correctly, why would you have algae? I don't know, though I love my little otos, I got them because I wanted them, but not to solve my algae problems. To be honest, I think that the causes of algae issues need to be addressed rather than relying on an organism to take care of it for you. It'll give you a false sense of security and won't, IMO, encourage what you should be doing, which is finding the right balance for your aquarium. I don't know, just my take on things.

llj

I wouldn't argue with this at all...and I don't think anyone here is suggesting that algae eaters are the answer to to algae problems (I think many of us can draw on bitter experience to support that ). The original question posted was simply asking when it was possible to add algae eaters at start-up. The only reason to stock the tank with algae eaters first, is because then you don't have to feed your fish during the initial weeks when water parameters are fluctuating and this in itself must help to reduce the possibility of algae blooms.

 

[john starkey]

Thanks guys for your info i just wanted to make sure i do the right thing, This will be my first planted tank after a long lay off.