New Algae Army Deployed Into Discus Tank

[hillmar77]

Well I've decided to get rid of all my pleco's in my discus tank for the amount of waste they produce and introduced a whole new algae crew. These guys are lean, mean, and filling some pretty big shoes that my pleco's had. Everyone of them survived my tough quarantine measures, and are now deployed into the algae battlezone. Here are there stats:

Chilodus punctatus - Spotted Headstander

max size- 3.2" (8cm)
temp range- 75-82°F (24-28°C)
compatibility- One of the more peaceful and shy headstanders. It does not appreciate the presence of boisterous or fast-moving species and may become withdrawn if it feels threatened. Good tankmates include tetras, small Loricariids, Corydoras and peaceful cichlids such as Cleithracara, Mikrogeophagus and Apistogramma. It can be kept in small groups, although they may squabble amongst themselves a little. Aim to buy at least 4 or 5 in order to avoid any particular fish being singled out for harassment.
Diet- Omnivorous and will accept most foods offered. It's particularly fond of small live and frozen foods and vegetable-based foods such as algae wafers, blanched spinach, cucumber etc.
Algae- Known to eat diatoms, filamentose and siphonales algae, with some rotifers and even cyanobacteria.

And here are some pics of them in their new home-

 

[ian]

have you seen any difference in the algae and have they got to work yet?

 

[hillmar77]

In the tank for a little over an hour and they are already pecking at the wood, plants, and substrate. Need more time to see how these guys do!

 

[mark2109111]

Siamese algae eaters do wonders

 

[hillmar77]

After a little over a week and the tank is alot cleaner then before. These guys are work horses and I'm giving them a big thumbs up!
a before pic ( algae everywhere )

Currently for over a week

 

[snowflake311]

What algea are they eatting is it brown or black what is it? I find rams horn snails to be the best thing I ever put in my discus tank they keep my plants looking awesome. The Cory cats keep the sand looking good.

I heard to head standers but did not know about them going after algea. I have a stupid SAE that stuipd fish does Very little work.

 

[hillmar77]

What algea are they eatting is it brown or black what is it? I find rams horn snails to be the best thing I ever put in my discus tank they keep my plants looking awesome. The Cory cats keep the sand looking good.

I heard to head standers but did not know about them going after algea. I have a stupid SAE that stuipd fish does Very little work.

I've seen it go for green and black stuff. What I like about them best at the moment is they go after fish poop and actually breaks it up, giving me a easier time when I do my gravel vac. For some reason, my gravel vac has a hard time picking up the real big poops from my discus.