Algae Fish that work with Arowana

[Steven Williams]

So I have a 60 gal grow out/recovery tank for my juvenile arowana that I rescued a few months ago. The road to recovery is going strong but I've recently encountered an issue. The algae growth in my tank is starting to take its toll on the glass and making it look unpresentable. I was wondering if there is an algae fish that can help solve my issue. I know an arowana won't make this easy but this aro is special. In the 60 gal are other fish (since taking in the arowana wasn't planned or prepared for) I'm currently struggling with my parents in creating a 250-400 gal pond outside our backyard. I posted something in the pond forum about this but nobody has responded so it may take some time. Meanwhile my algae problem is occurring and I don't like scrubbing it so much because it scares the arowana a lot. In the tank are 5 angelfish, 3 cory catfish, and a khuli loach(needs friends) I know this is way overcrowded but once the arowana moves there will be room. The main issue (other than the pond development, need help please) is the algae problem. The area in which my tank is in has literally no sunlight and I change the water very often like every 2-3 weeks. I don't always want to scrub the glass cause my arowana gets scared and doesn't need the stress. What I was wondering is if there is a algae fish that can survive long enough in my already crowded tank to clean the glass and avoid predation from the arowana (he really doesn't eat live fish but just in case) Please let me know if you can think of any fish. My tank has plenty of hiding space. In the corner are fake plants and some rock tunnels and near the center is a coliseum which makes bubble. Also please don't tell me the fish are not compatible and the arowana is too big and that I need to move it. I KNOW THIS ALREADY!
Also the arowana has been in the tank for 5 months and none of the fish have been eaten......except a swamp darter I had in there that swam WAY too close to the arowana.

 

[moe214]

Well first off 2-3 weeks for a wc isn't often, most people do it once a week, some more so. Your aro being large for this tank, I'd say you wanna step it up to atleast that. As for the question why not just do the common pleco, whatever set up you have in store for the aro a pleco will fit if the aro does if not don't get one cause you'll be looking at two common large fish to rehome which isn't easy. If not get one of those magnet algae scrapers. He should get used to it.

 

[Steven Williams]

Well first off 2-3 weeks for a wc isn't often, most people do it once a week, some more so. Your aro being large for this tank, I'd say you wanna step it up to atleast that. As for the question why not just do the common pleco, whatever set up you have in store for the aro a pleco will fit if the aro does if not don't get one cause you'll be looking at two common large fish to rehome which isn't easy. If not get one of those magnet algae scrapers. He should get used to it.

Ok I will change the water more often and oh ya magnet scrubs

 

[convict360]

First off, that is a magnificent angel in your bottom pic; jealous!

On the topic of algae, i'd suggest nerite snails as an option; though having no experience with arowanas, would be good if someone else could confirm.

 

[moe214]

I've never dealt with snails, never had a real algae problem, I don't see why it wouldn't work. If they suck in fishes slime coat I doubt they'd be able to get ahold of an active healthy aro, and I doubt the aro would munch on them. But I can't be certain, so wait for someone else to chime in.

 

[Steven Williams]

First off, that is a magnificent angel in your bottom pic; jealous!

On the topic of algae, i'd suggest nerite snails as an option; though having no experience with arowanas, would be good if someone else could confirm.

ThAnks and I will check that out

 

[Steven Williams]

I've never dealt with snails, never had a real algae problem, I don't see why it wouldn't work. If they suck in fishes slime coat I doubt they'd be able to get ahold of an active healthy aro, and I doubt the aro would munch on them. But I can't be certain, so wait for someone else to chime in.

Ok then i will

 

[predatorkeeper87]

well...I wouldn't overload the tank anymore...because sooner or later that aro is going to snack on everything in there...give him time to get comfortable lol. Best thing in this situation is to just get a mag float and do it yourself.

 

[Steven Williams]

well...I wouldn't overload the tank anymore...because sooner or later that aro is going to snack on everything in there...give him time to get comfortable lol. Best thing in this situation is to just get a mag float and do it yourself.

True the tank is overcrowded

 

[tlindsey]

I'm surprised that cory has not been tagged by the Aro, first sign of aggression from Aro towards cory remove asap . Aro may have problems if it tries to swallow spiny cory.