something interesting that will eat algae

bussardnr · Post by **bussardnr** » 12 May 2005, 02:41

are there anything else other than the common algae eaters that arent to hard to find or expensive?

jen.nelson · Post by **jen.nelson** » 12 May 2005, 03:23

Really depends on the type of algae that you're trying to get rid of. Otocinclus are cool little cats that will make scary short work of brown algae and soft green algae. I've heard that rosy barbs will eat hair algae and the ones I currently have in quarantine have started in on the hair algae I have in with them.

Of course, the real key to algae control is limiting nutrition (generally nitrates and phosphates) and light.

Jen

bussardnr · Post by **bussardnr** » 12 May 2005, 03:33

looking for something alittle for interesting than otos and mollys

Post by **Barbie** » 12 May 2005, 03:36

The size of your tank, the other tank inhabitants, the type of algae you have and all that would be of great help. Most of us would love to help, but have no desire wasting our time hoping to happen to hit on something that might work in your current setup.

Barbie

bussardnr · Post by **bussardnr** » 12 May 2005, 03:39

75 gal not wanting anything that gets much over 6in unless its something cool like a twig catfish. i have a few Farlowellas. got a striped bulldog and got a spotted one tonight. nothing in the tank is very agressive, its a community tank.

Sandtiger · Post by **Sandtiger** » 12 May 2005, 03:43

Bristlenose catfish

jen.nelson · Post by **jen.nelson** » 12 May 2005, 03:51

I guess an idea of your definition of interesting would be helpful, since both "hard to find" (which I associate with common) and "expensive" (which often goes hand-in-hand with uncommon) were excluded by your initial inquiry. Looking for something that is uncommon and easy to come by is a bit of an oxymoron.

And, like Barbie said, an idea of what type of algae you'd like eaten would be helpful, too. I'd also think that tank material (glass v acrylic) would be of importance, as well, since some of the fishies with raspier mouthparts can cause damage to acrylic. Plants or no plants would be important, too...

Jen

bussardnr · Post by **bussardnr** » 12 May 2005, 03:58

its brown or green(hard to tell) algae, i ment that not to expensive, around $30 maybe. its a glass and does have plants

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 12 May 2005, 10:30

What's "unusual" or "hard to get" in one shop, may well be easy to find in another place.

Most of the Peckoltia species are relatively small, and will eat algae. Most stay well under 6".

Bristlenose (Ancistrus species) are another option, and you can find those from "basic common ones" to "expensive and exclusive". As well as having albino versions that are a little more "different" than the brown ones. They are certainly good algae eaters. Almost all of these are shorter than 6" too.

If you're just after something interesting for the tank, but not too concerned about the algae eating capabilities, the Panaque range of smaller ones, like is an option. You'd need some wood in the tank to keep them. But these aren't quite as good algae eaters, and of course, you'd better avoid things like as it grows to three times your specified maximum.

There's plenty about, but what's available to you, and more importantly, what you like, is hard for me to say...

--
Mats

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 12 May 2005, 16:12

"Interesting" is a subjective thing. Some of us love little tykes. Some like the bigger fish. Some like only very colorful creatures. Others prefer any old fish at all. Can you please help us figure out what interests you? "Algae eater" can also be a misleading term. I was skimming through a book the other day. The author was calling the majority of catfish "drab and non-noteworthy." I didn't buy the book.

ZebraPleco · Post by **ZebraPleco** » 12 May 2005, 16:27

The only pleco I can think of that can fit you description is probably an Ancistrus sp. (L144). It's intereting, don't grow too big, eats algae and not too expensive. Good luck in finding it though.
Next up would probably be the albino ancicstrus sp. 3 as already mentioned above.

Sandtiger · Post by **Sandtiger** » 12 May 2005, 16:49

Bronzefry wrote:"Interesting" is a subjective thing. Some of us love little tykes. Some like the bigger fish. Some like only very colorful creatures. Others prefer any old fish at all. Can you please help us figure out what interests you? "Algae eater" can also be a misleading term. I was skimming through a book the other day. The author was calling the majority of catfish "drab and non-noteworthy." I didn't buy the book.

What book was that...I'll have to avoid it

arndogg · Post by **arndogg** » 13 May 2005, 18:43

I have a single L-200 that I know eats algae. Just so you know, the desire to eat algae will vary from individual fish to individual fish.

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 14 May 2005, 16:34

What book was that...I'll have to avoid it

Something with "Dummies" in the title.....

sojapat · Post by **sojapat** » 14 May 2005, 16:42

Why not get ancistrus claro ? great fish inexpensive and easy to get at most shops ??
Hypoptopomas ?
Sturisoma ?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

tank11 · Post by **tank11** » 14 May 2005, 17:08

ZebraPleco wrote:The only pl*co I can think of that can fit you description is probably an Ancistrus sp. (L144). It's intereting, don't grow too big, eats algae and not too expensive. Good luck in finding it though.
Next up would probably be the albino ancicstrus sp. 3 as already mentioned above.

Try Aquabid.com they have tons of Good stuff

something interesting that will eat algae

something interesting that will eat algae

Nice small algea eater ..

If you looking for Ancicstrus check out