Need A Good Algae Eater

[Flute]

Hey all, I was hoping if someone could point me in the right direct of a good algae eater for my tank? Tank mates are included in my signature (the 207 ltr community). I clean as much algae off the glass as I can, but there are two sides of the tank that I cannot get to and there is also algae growing on bog wood and some plants. I was wondering if there was any possibility of getting some sort of algae eaters in there?

Of course if people think I've already reached max. stocking then I'll find another way round it, but the prospect of being able to add more fish is always tempting

I'm currently treating the tank with bacterial meds, so I wouldn't be getting anything until well after treatment is finished.

Thank you muchly for any ideas posted

 

[james_fish]

6 Otocinclus or add some Nerite Snails.

James.

 

[Gilli]

You cant beat bristlenose Plecs for keeping your tank algae free. You can keep just one or a pair!

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

If you are getting excessive algea growth, thats usually indicitive of over-feeding, or another problem. I would hunt the source of the issue before adding fish to combat it.

I found a good manual clear out, then a5 day blackout followed by a another clearout of any new/remaining algea cleared my tank of excessive algea totally.

Blackouts are really usefull, and help re-stablise the tank

 

[fluffycabbage]

If you are getting excessive algea growth, thats usually indicitive of over-feeding, or another problem. I would hunt the source of the issue before adding fish to combat it.

I found a good manual clear out, then a5 day blackout followed by a another clearout of any new/remaining algea cleared my tank of excessive algea totally.

Blackouts are really usefull, and help re-stablise the tank

totally agree with that, that solves my algae blooms! I have nerite snails nowand they do a great job at cleaning up any tiny bits of algae

 

[kiriyama]

Nerites
I have 4 in my fry tank and it's always nice and clean looking

 

[Flute]

My tank is situated right in front of my bedroom window, so gets quite a lot of light. I believe that's what's causing it, as I don't over feed and gravel vac at least once, sometimes twice a week and use an algae scraper when ever I see the stuff growing on the panels I can reach

There isn't mass amounts of the stuff, it's just in areas that I can't reach that are the problem and me being so short doesn't help the matter
We have otos in the downstairs 180 ltr, and although they are absolutely adorable they don't seem to clear much algae

I was wondering about bristlenose plecs and the snails, which would people recommend more? Wouldn't I risk the snails being eaten with my dwarf cichlids though?

Cheers guys

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

Tanks should not really be in direct sunlight. At the least you should reduce it to as little exposure as possible.

You are going to find it hard to maintain control of light in a sunlit tank!

Is it possible to move it somewhere a bit more protected?

 

[shroob]

Ha, I know the problem of direct sunlight on tanks. Sometimes it is unavoidable. Thankfully the tank I have with that problem is home to a colony of red cherry shimp - which the shrimp absolutely love, no algae in that tank . Though they will be hit and miss in your tank (with the betta's - if you don't mind loosing some, even all depending on how much cover/betta's taste for shrimp is they might be worth considering).

I also agree with the suggestion of bristlenose plecs, they are fantastic algae eaters.

EDIT: Just seen the pearl gourami on your list, RCS would most likely be snacks.

 

[SlyPolak]

Farlowella!!!!!

 

[kaivalagi]

Bristlenose! I have one in my 5ft tank and I have no algae...plus he takes no cr4p from the cichlids

 

[Flute]

Malt_Vinegar, it was the only place the tank could go. It doesn't get direct sunlight as it's at the back of the house. As I said earlier, I'm not getting algae blooms or huge amounts of it or anything, it's just the regular green algae on the glass that I can't reach. I just wanted something that could help me manage it whilst also getting the experience of a new species of fish if my tank will allow it

shroob, thanks for the suggestions ^^ Yeah, it's a bit of a pain when it's the only place you can put a tank. It's not so bad in my room, plus, being in Wales where the sun very rarely shines.... I get attached to cherry shrimp, so I don't think I could watch them being picked off by my girls and Gourami

SlyPolak, those are gorgeous fish I think that they'd get far too big for my tank though? D:

kaivalagi, looks like I'm gonna go with the bristlenose plecs Also good to know that they can stand their grounds with the cichlids.

Cheers guys!

 

[SlyPolak]

SlyPolak, those are gorgeous fish I think that they'd get far too big for my tank though? D:

Farlowella Vittata (Twig Cat) only get 5 - 7 in........ but if you have cichlids I dont recommend that fish at all,,, (sorry didnt read the whole thing)

 

[Flute]

Haha, after only having a 60 ltr for ages, I guess I'm still stuck in "nah, that fish is way too big" mode. Shame they'd be no good with the cichlids, fantastic looking fish

How many bristlenose plecs should I look into getting? Just the one or a pair?

 

[kaivalagi]

I have a single male in my 5ft tank, he does a grand job...although I would like to add a female for company...trouble is getting one big enough to take all the hassle she'll get off him!

If you want a pair it maybe worth adding 2 at the same time, they are quite easy to sex when fairly small, by way of what bristles they have (male has some running along the nose as well as around the front, females either have none or some "whiskers")