Algae eaters in the home aquarium are a great addition for those wishing to have some help cleaning the bottom and the glass. An algae eater will scavenge for food among the rocks on the bottom and eat algae from the glass sides. You have several options to choose from when picking an algae eater, each one best suited for a particular type of aquarium setup.
Plecostomus (Armor Plated Catfish)
The Plecostomus or Armor Plated Catfish is the most popular algae eating fish for most home aquariums. Despite this fact, these are not the best choice for home aquariums due to their size. The common Plecoostomus, or Pleco, which is most often found in pet stores can reach close to two feet and will stop eating algae once they reach 9-10 inches. Despite their popularity, they are best suited for large aquariums and their diet should be supplemented several times a week.
Food: Many Plecos actually die of starvation because of a lack of enough algae in the tank to sustain them. It is a good idea to supplement them with sinking pellets, algae pellets, zucchini, cucumber and lettuce several times a week.
Compatibility: Plecos can get along with just about any other fish you put in the tank.
Chinese Algae Eaters
Chinese Algae Eaters can be very aggressive when full grown and are a poor choice for most average aquariums. They grow up to 5-6 inches in length.
Food: They will eat algae, and scavenge for leftovers on the tank floor. If they do not have enough food, they may attempt to eat the slime coat off of slower moving fish like Angels or Gold fish. You can supplement them with the same list of food as above.
Compatibility: These are fast moving, semi aggressive fish similar to Tiger Barbs.
Siamese Algae Eaters
The Siamese Algae eater is a great choice for a planted fish tank. They stay relatively small, growing to only about 3-4 inches. They can pull the algae off of most plants without destroying the plant but use caution if you have delicate or thin plants as they may cause some damage to the plants when they get full grown.
Food: They will eat algae and potentially any leftover food on the tank floor. Because they are small, they generally are okay with a typical algae supply, but can also be supplemented with the same foods you would supplement Plecos or Chinese Algae eaters.
Compatibility: They are very peaceful and will not bother your other fish.
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish are a good choice for small tanks and for heavily planted tanks. They get to only about an inch at full growth. They will not destroy any plant you may put in a planted tank, and thus make the best choice if you wish to plant your aquarium. They are a schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 6 or more. In a heavily planted tank, a good rule of thumb is 1 Oto for every gallon of water.
Food: In a well planted tank, the algae should be enough to suffice. If they appear to be thin or if it is a newly established tank with little to no algae, you can supplement them with the same list of foods.
Compatibility: they should be kept only with smaller peaceful fish. Larger fish may pick on them, and depending on the fish, the Oto may become a meal.
When choosing an Algae eater for your fish tank, choose carefully so that you get the best fish for the type of aquarium you have set up. Find out about Algae Eaters for the Marine Aquarium.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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