Are there such thing as dwarf algae eaters???

[WaterWaffle]

So, I have a horrible algae problem in my tank. I've increased water changes, fed less, and cleaned the tank more often but it is relentless. I finally decided it's time to get an algae eater. I was talking about getting one and I was brought 4 as a gift. A poor pleco and three algae eaters I think are Chinese algae eaters. I freaked out saying they'll grow huge and eat my fish but I was told they'll only grow 2 inches because they are dwarfs. I googled it but didn't find anything. Do dwarf Chinese algae eaters exist???

 

[WaterWaffle]

Sorry for the bad pictures but hopefully they help.

 

[tlindsey]

So, I have a horrible algae problem in my tank. I've increased water changes, fed less, and cleaned the tank more often but it is relentless. I finally decided it's time to get an algae eater. I was talking about getting one and I was brought 4 as a gift. A poor pleco and three algae eaters I think are Chinese algae eaters. I freaked out saying they'll grow huge and eat my fish but I was told they'll only grow 2 inches because they are dwarfs. I googled it but didn't find anything. Do dwarf Chinese algae eaters exist???

Welcome aboard the smallest Algae eater is the Oto Catfish.

 

[WaterWaffle]

Welcome aboard the smallest Algae eater is the Oto Catfish.

Thanks, I am afraid i'd kill otos because i'm new to fish and read they're very delicate and need to be kept in groups I only have a 40 gallon.

 

[tlindsey]

Thanks, I am afraid i'd kill otos because i'm new to fish and read they're very delicate and need to be kept in groups I only have a 40 gallon.

You are already on the way to becoming a great hobbyists by doing research first. Yes that is true Oto would have a higher survival rate in an established aquarium with pristine water conditions.

 

[WaterWaffle]

well, it's been up and running for about a month now with only two casualties within the first week and three more when my roomate cleaned the tank glass with windex and wasn't careful to not get it in the water. I wanted to get snails and I just don't know what i'm going to do with my new little monsters.

 

[tlindsey]

well, it's been up and running for about a month now with only two casualties within the first week and three more when my roomate cleaned the tank glass with windex and wasn't careful to not get it in the water. I wanted to get snails and I just don't know what i'm going to do with my new little monsters.

Tell your roommate not to ever spray anything on the glass also be careful with aerosol spray. Did you change any of the water after the fish deaths?

 

[tlindsey]

Tell your roommate not to ever spray anything on the glass also be careful with aerosol spray. Did you change any of the water after the fish deaths?

I personally just wipe my glass with water.

 

[WaterWaffle]

Yeah, I changed 25% of the water for a couple days until the fish acted normal. I did tell them not to use cleaner but my fish are expendable to them because they're cheap.

 

[tlindsey]

Yeah, I changed 25% of the water for a couple days until the fish acted normal. I did tell them not to use cleaner but my fish are expendable to them because they're cheap.

That is no excuse for them to touch your aquarium. Do you use a dechlorinator to treat the tap water during water changes? Do you have a Freshwater Test Kit to check Ammonia,Nitrite,Nitrate and PH?