Want To Get A Pleco, Need Advice

[FishySarah]

My algae is out of control, and has been ever since I brought back my chinese algae eater (he was getting too big and aggressive) I really need an algae eater. I'm thinking clown or bristle nose pleco, but I want your advice.

I have a 29 gallon tank running a Whisper 30 filter, some java moss, and the following fish:

5 black longfin tetras
1 adult molly, two half-grown molly fry
5 adult platys, three half-grown platys
4 gold barbs
1 otto
4 neons

I'm a little concerned about being overstocked, since I also plan on adding another molly. But I really need some form of algae control.

 

[stang1]

You are best upping your ottos to about 4-5 as they prefer to be in groups. There's no point in getting a Pleco as the ottos will do a better job of cleaning your tank.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I agree with stan, oto's make better algae eaters than most plecos (plus they don't poop as much), but they prefer to be in groups of at least 3-4 so you should get more .

 

[paul_219]

Can get a bn or chinese algea eater they are good also in cleaning the tank.

 

[dwarfgourami]

Can get a bn or chinese algea eater they are good also in cleaning the tank.

Paul, she had just had to take her Chinese algae eater back because i had got too large and aggressive. This happens with CAE's and they also stop eating algae as they get older, so not a good choice really.

 

[FishySarah]

I had five ottos at one point and the tank was still a mess. Of course, I only had them for about two weeks. Then all but one died on me, but I suppose I could try ottos again. Someone on another forum suggested nerite snails, but I don't know if an aquarium near me stocks them. How many ottos do you think I could fit without overloading the tank, maybe five or six?