Algae control

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Burbotman

Burbotman

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Feb 16, 2006
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Canada
With the bad rap on pleco's and their taste for bicher slime, I am wondering what most on this site are doing for algae control. I have had a good run with my 10" common pleco leaving my bichers alone, but don't trust him as I get ready to add my now 6" little endi to the big tank.
Snails?
Chinese Algae eaters?

Thoughts

Thanks
 
I would imagine the bichirs would snack upon the snails, and CAE's. little thin fish ...
I know people here tend to not agree with plecos, but I personally have had good luck in the past with plecos. They seem (in my experience) only to feed upon cadavers (feeders)

What size tank? Scrubbing glass doesn't take very long. That's what I do.
 
chineese algea eaters definatly, will do the trick in a matter of days and keep it spotless
 
rockinthe40ounce;721827; said:
chineese algea eaters definatly, will do the trick in a matter of days and keep it spotless
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Chinese algae eaters are far more likely to suck on the slime of other fish...not just bichirs! I've seen them, MANY times, chase all types of fish around a tank in an attempt to get to their slime coat. Personally, I have a lot of plecos in with my bichirs with absolutely no problems, but I also fully understand the worries of others. I would say try some big apple snails and/or some good, old fashioned, elbow grease.
By the way, check out the pleco feeding sticky in the pleco forum, algae is NOT their main food source.
 
YeahSqueaky;722998; said:
Chinese Algae Eaters aren't that good of algae eaters with age, they start to like fish food more than algae and scavenge.
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Just like "industrious" plecos:) .
 
re: algae... try UVC lamps. It can also kill potentially dangerous fungii spores. I know people usually think of UV's as pond-only gadgets. Do some research on the net and you might change your minds... my 2 cents. :)
 
I've been a firm believer in U.V. sterilizers for years and I have one on my tank at home. However, as far as algae control, they are most effective against free algae in the water column itself. U.V.s can't really do anything for the algae growing on surfaces. They are GREAT for disease prevention and control.
 
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