When most people think of algae-eaters, the species that comes to mind is a common Plecostomus. But there are lots of other options to consider, many of which would be better suited for smaller community tanks.
1.) Otocinclus Catfish (Otos) - A great addition to a peaceful planted tank and a small school of them can form a great algae cleanup crew. Very active, playful, and fun to watch. I had a trio of these little guys and they did a fantastic job, though they proved to be quite sensitive to nitrate levels. They are best kept in groups in a planted 10-gallon tank or larger.
2.) Farlowella Catfish (Twig Catfish) - This is one of the most effective algae-eaters, despite its "twiggy" appearance. They are a sedentary species, so don't expect much of a show from these guys. Keep with peaceful fish and provide driftwood for them to graze on. Farlowella catfish can grow up to 8" and should be provided with a large, planted tank to ensure they have enough to nibble on.
3.) Siamese Algae-eaters (SAE) - While I don't personally have experience dealing with this species since we never carry it at the pet store where I work, it is touted as the best algae-eater available. Of course, as with anything, YMMV. This fish is said to eat thread algae and the brush algae ignored by other fish. They also eat planarians (flatworms) which can become a nuisance in the aquarium. SAE can be slightly territorial with their own species so they are probably best kept either single or as a group of 5 or more in large, planted tanks. These guys are also known to be strong jumpers, so make sure you have a secure cover.
4.) Amano Shrimp (Algae-eating Shrimp / Caridina Japonica) - I can't say enough about these shrimp! Aside from eating algae, they also consume dead plant debris and clean the leftover food. They are very busy eaters. Their size doesn't go over 5 cm, making them suitable for smaller aquariums. It is good to keep this shrimp in groups of 3 or more. Avoid dosing copper (in some plant fertilizers) as they are very sensitive to it. Keep with small, peaceful tankmates to ensure they aren't eaten.
5.) Bristlenose Plecostomus (Bushy Nose Pleco) - One of the most popular and widely available algae eaters. Planted aquariums with hardy, fast-growing plants, high aeration, and water movement provide a healthy environment. Unlike the common pleco, they do not usually munch on aquatic plants. Though they stay fairly small (4-5"), they need a 30-gallon tank or larger. Feeding off the bottom of the aquarium, they get most of their nutrition from left over food and algae. If there is no algae or left over food present, supplement with high quality flake food, sinking carnivore pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex.
6.) Nerite Snails (Zebra or Nerita Snails) - It is not just the beauty of its zebra patterns that makes it so desirable but its appetite for algae. It is known that Nerite Snails eat the hard to clean Green Spot algae and Green Beard algae. This snail will not do well in pH lower then 7 since it needs alkaline conditions to keep its shell healthy. Easy to care for and will do fine in a 10-gallon tank or larger.
For additional information and options, you can check the Aquarium Algae-Eaters blog.
Otos and caridinas rule, I had several of them some years ago, they are very cool.
Posted by: makz | December 06, 2007 at 09:25 PM