I need algae eater

[thapsus]

I'm starting to get some algae to my 24gal tank probably because of poor lighting. What would be suitable species for my tank?

pH 7, soft water, temperature 25C, no ammonium or nitrite and nitrate 2-5. I have 5 panda corys, betta and Dario dario fry in that tank. In future I have Dario or Betta in that tank with pandas.

I don't like messy big fishes. So I wouldn't want bristlenose. What options do I have?

Thanks!

 

[Phantom Thief]

You could try otos. Otherwise, try something like the twig catfish or the whiptail catfish.

P.T.

 

[philbozz]

How about sucking loach or chinese algae eaters (same thing) they grow to a decent size, apparently they can be a bit of a hassle with other fish but mine is fine

 

[Phantom Thief]

How about sucking loach or chinese algae eaters (same thing) they grow to a decent size, apparently they can be a bit of a hassle with other fish but mine is fine

I have to disagree

When it is young, it is a perfectly fine fish, docile and algae eating. At about 4" and above, its an absolute devil. It begins to eat less and less algae and instead begins to eat the slime coat of other fish, especially flat shaped fish like angels and gouramis.

I definitely wouldn't get it.

P.T.

 

[Invader675]

Maybe some shrimp would be an interesting difference to all fish. Glass Shrimp shouldn't hurt the fry. A little group would be cheaper than a large fish too.

 

[RandomWiktor]

NEVER get a chinese algae eater or their color mutations. Lots of stores sell them all as just "algae eaters" but they are in fact evil, parasitic things that will munch on your other fishs' eyes and slime coat. I keep mine alone in a tank because I don't trust him with other fish. When he was younger he lived with a betta but even at 2 inches he started fighting with the other fish.

 

[grayshark]

i have got a elbeano plecostamus he is brown I love him he is grate.

 

[Phantom Thief]

A common plec wouldn't fit in a 30g.

P.T.

 

[Fishy411]

A common plec wouldn't fit in a 30g.

P.T.

i would get a Farlowella ( whiptail cat) they are very peaceful and would be a good addition to yur tank. They do get to 6" but its mostly tail.

 

[philbozz]

o

Mine is about... 4 or 5 inches and he doesnt irritate the other fish, he doesnt make a noticeable impact on algae but deffinitley isnt a menace to society..

 

[Phantom Thief]

i would get a Farlowella ( whiptail cat) they are very peaceful and would be a good addition to yur tank. They do get to 6" but its mostly tail.

Farlowellas are an excellent choice. I had mentioned them earlier, and highly recommend them, though they may be slightly sensitive to changes in water parameters.

P.T.

 

[rdd1952]

I am leaning toward getting shrimp to help with what algae I have. From what I have read, Red Cherry Shrimp are great algae eaters as are amano shrimp. The biggest problem is that not many places stock them so you may have to order them. I want some but can't find them locally. I have an oto (had 3 but 2 died). They are cute little fish but don't care too much for blue green algae which is what I hav been struggling with. They are also not very hardy and seem to die suddenly.

 

[thapsus]

Thank you all.

I love shrimps and I already have them in two other tanks but I'm hesitating to put shrimps in this tank. Darios will become very nippy when they grow bit more and isn't it possible that betta could consider shrimps as food also? Shrimps cost here about $12 each so I don't want to try if them if they are likely to be eaten. I made that mistake once already: I found out that dwarf croaking gouramies nipp bright colored shrimps like red cherrys.

Like I said, I don't want any big fishes like CAE or pleco to this tank. I'm not shure that I can buy bigger tank to big fishes when they grow. Here in Finland stores don't take "used" fishes. Other aquarists do ofcourse but I think it's bit unethical to take fish that needs to be rehomed soon. But thank you about these answers too.

Farlowella is good suggestion. I have to make shure thought first that it will fit to 24 gal. Here in Finland are strict ordinances that fishes are kept in proper tanks. And here fishes seem to need bigger tank than in US for example. Funny, but it's good that keeping fishes "badly" is illegal.

Otos are a good suggestion too. How many should I have to make them happy? Isn't there some otospecies that can't take warm water? O. affinis for example I think...

Thank you all again. I appreciate answers very much. Sorry if I seem to floor them all.