Algae eating machine for cooler tank

[christopher]

I use albino bristlenose is just about every tank I have. Except now I have a bunch of tanks that are kept pretty cool, or cold. Somewhere around 65F (18C) and is probably too cold for the ABN I have everywhere, they just seem to lay fairly lifeless (more so than normal) when I put them in these cold tanks.

I am looking for an algea eating machine that stays on the smaller side, can tolerate lower temps and very important, can actually be found sometimes.

Thanks

[Silurus]

Bulldog plecos would fit the bill.

[MatsP]

I agree that they are a good candidate, but bear in mind that

Chaetostoma

will require quite a lot of water-movement to be happy [high oxygen levels, which is achieved by quick flowing water].

--
Mats

[Reginator]

You could try some of the mini algae chomping loaches, I've got a few lurking with my shibunkin and goldies and they seem to do a good job, not a catfish though...

[christopher]

Thanks guys, I'll keep my eyes open for bulldogs and add a little more agitation to my water if I do find them.

I would think that the colder the water the less agitation is needed to get the required disolved oxygen as it would naturally have more than warmer water. Anyone have any experience with this?

Chris

[Jackster]

Colder water does carry more dissolved oxygen but Chaetostoma species require
very clean fast moving water. Before I knew what water conditions they needed,
I had problems keeping them alive in normal tank conditions at 80°F. They would
live for a few months and then perish. They need lots of current, good water quality,
and lower temperatures to thrive plus a good growth of algae in your tank would be
beneficial to give them a good start.