LOOKING FOR A SMALL ALGAE EATER

[navigator]

hi there folks I am now having probs with algae and would like to have it removed naturally without disturbing the rest of the aquarium, I am looking for an algae eater that is quite common that does not any bigger in size than say 4 inches. does anyone know a fish like this.
many thanks
the nav

 

[Mr Miagi]

otos are good. So are shrimps ive heard. What tank u got etc etc etc. Elaborate 4 us!

 

[pica_nuttalli]

otocinclus catfish -- generally purchased at ~1 inch, max. size ~2 inches. typically recommended to purchase a small group, but in my experience, one will be ok alone. kinda nervous, but they calm down as they age.

 

[navigator]

it is a 33 gallon tank so not to big and in it I have
10 neons
2 black mollies
2 clown loaches (young ones)
and a red tailed shark
but nothing to eat the algae build up

 

[Inchworm]

Hi navigator

If you have a lot of algae, you might like to get a small group of otos. They are little things, but they can eat an amazing amount of algae. If you can find healthy ones, they are very little trouble to keep and they are cute too.

Here's a link with some pictures of them:

http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/loric...cl/g_thumbs.htm

 

[navigator]

many thanks folks for your
It looks like the zebra otos for me but how many would be best 3 or 4 or maybe 5
in a 33 gallon tank

 

[kenneth_kpe]

bristlenose plecos and er.... siamese algae eaters thats the right one i think? not chinese algae eaters, siamese not chinese... or is it the other way around

i have two ottos in my tank, they are really sensitive fishes and tend to die off when you water parameters suddenly change but reaally really cute

 

[utahfish]

i have an oto and a rubber nosed plec. the rubber nosed plec is usually on the glass and the oto hangs out on the plants most of the time.

 

[bunjiweb]

A group of 5 otos would finish that tank off nicely. They will go finde with the fish you have already, dont grow big, and usually do a stirling job.

I have 5 ottos that i move about between tanks. They are currently residing in my 57G catfish tank and are doing a good job of keeping the plants clean.

Unfortunatly, they seem to only eat algae as it is growing, rather than when it is fully established, so its better to get the fish in there to catch the algae problem before it takes a hold.

Ben