Best Algae Eater

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rich_one

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Jan 6, 2011
1,141
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Southern Maryland
So now that my cichlid collection is finally mostly complete (only thing left now is the find a 4" or larger female festae... which for me, has become about as easy as finding a leo diamond in my back yard), I looking towards some help with keeping the glass clean.

At first, I was thinking of tossing in some nerites... but then, I'm not so sure my CA cichlids won't make a snack of them. So, what would be the most effective algae eater, that can hang with some of the larger CA cichlid species... everything from various vieja species to amphilophus (lyonsi), oscar and herichthys (pearsi, bocourti)? These are all spread out between two 125 gallon tanks. I have really been thinking about trying to get something like a green phantom pleco, but I really do not know how effective they are as algae eaters... I know many plecos are not so effective at that. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

-Rich
 
I'm really no expert, but I'm pretty sure the effectiveness of each algae eater depends upon what type of algae it is that you have. I have a a couple of bristlenose plecos that do great work on my glass and driftwood, but whatever type is growing on the substrate they barely touch.
 
yeah... I don't mind the substrate kind so much. Actually kinda like the look. don't mind it so much growing on woods and rocks either. right now, I just use an algae scraper... that's fine, really. I'm not too pressed about it. But just thought it'd be cool if I can find something.

I would guess it might actually be diatoms, probably, as it tends to be more brown "algae" than anything else, on the glass. since I do my water changes weekly, I tend to wipe down my glass on the fronts and sides during them, so its not out of control or anything, except maybe moreso on the back glass of the tank... just a little tougher to reach, without moving driftwood and rock around.

-Rich
 
If it's just your glass give the bristlenose plecos a try. They stay small and would be fine with larger cichlids in a 125 (as long as they have someplace to run to if the sh*t hits the fan). Not as fancy as a green phantom, but they get the job done.
 
I hear that. Sometimes, there is something to be said about keeping it simple.

The old mainstay of a BN pleco it is. At least they can be had aplently, pretty cheaply! LOL...

-Rich
 
Do bristlenoses eat brown algae? Ive only had 1 and he never did. The only thing Ive had that would take care of brown algae was Otto Cats (Otocinclus).

Problem is, big CAs will eat them up eventually. They only get 2".
 
I guess one of the smaller species of Plecos would be the best route as suggested. I've also read that Fei Feng are supposedly excellent at keeping algae under control, plus they are large and beautiful fish. I've never seen them around my area though. I'd snag one if I did. Another thing about Fei Feng is that you have to make sure that you don't have one that prefers munching on slime coats. I don't know too much about them other than what I've read. They may be too big for what you're looking for.
 
yeah... flagtails are interesting, to say the least. but they do get awfully large.

I think I'll just keep it simple and try a dwarf pleco, like a BN. I might dump some nerites in there and see if they either make it, or become snacks.

-Rich
 
rich_one said:
yeah... flagtails are interesting, to say the least. but they do get awfully large.

I think I'll just keep it simple and try a dwarf pleco, like a BN. I might dump some nerites in there and see if they either make it, or become snacks.

-Rich
Click to expand...
I agree with you. Flagtails require a bit of room. Stick with the Pleco idea. I've been thinking about adding some Nerites to my tanks. I'm afraid that the Clown Loaches will take them out though.
 
The best algae eaters I've ever had was the flying fox and a group of mollies, I don't think it would work in your set-up, so go with a bristlenose. Otherwise a mag-float is great too, no nitrates and you don't have to feed'em!
 
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