Bottom dwellers other than pleco.

[Kashif314]

Hello everyone. What kind of bottom dwellers are suitable for African cichlid tank but other than a pleco? For some reason I never like any kind of pleco. I don't know why but they look very ugly to me. Also they suck to glass as well which I don't like so please advise what other fish can I keep with cichlids which can help me in cleaning any leftover food etc? Basically looking for a cleaning crew which is compatible with african cichlids. Please advise.

Thanks.

 

[RD.]

In your tank you don't need a clean up crew, just feed less if there is food remaining after feeding. Also in your tank with zero hiding spots, any type of Synodontis, which is what is typically seen in African tanks (other than plecos) will become stressed out. They prefer caves to feel comfortable, and are often more nocturnal, at least until they settle into their surroundings. For now I would just work on getting your tank balanced, and not adding additional fish.

 

[BIG-G]

+1 I agree.

I’ve not seen your tank so I can’t comment on anything currently go on with it.

I’ve never really like the idea of adding another fish for the idea of “cleaning “ more often than not it just adds to the bio-load in the tank.

 

[Manish Kolge]

Feed less.
Have a effective filteration system or do regular water changes.

 

[Kashif314]

In your tank you don't need a clean up crew, just feed less if there is food remaining after feeding. Also in your tank with zero hiding spots, any type of Synodontis, which is what is typically seen in African tanks (other than plecos) will become stressed out. They prefer caves to feel comfortable, and are often more nocturnal, at least until they settle into their surroundings. For now I would just work on getting your tank balanced, and not adding additional fish.

+1 I agree.

I’ve not seen your tank so I can’t comment on anything currently go on with it.

I’ve never really like the idea of adding another fish for the idea of “cleaning “ more often than not it just adds to the bio-load in the tank.

Feed less.
Have a effective filteration system or do regular water changes.

I don't have any visible left over food. A pellet can never touch bottom in presence of these greedy fish. Its just that when fish eat they crush the pellet and I see like mist of food which clears itself as tiny fish eats it but I was wondering in case I need a good bottom dweller but now I understand. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Blakewater]

While I agree you dont need a food for the clean up crew necessarily, unfortunately african cichlid tanks choices are pretty slim once you start looking for anything outside of african cichlids. As mentioned, Sydontis cats can tolerate the ph but in my opinion they all look pretty generic and arent going to do much for what youre looking for. If you could get your ph lower one catfish Ive seen kept with african cichlids outside of a species only tank were marble achara catfish, but youd need a large tank for it. I dont know your tank size but it would need at least a 125g for the first year [and thats the bare minimum] and ultimately a 8x3 tank within just a few years. Unfortunately, most catfish and bottom dwellers in the aquarium trade come from jungle rivers with low ph, so you dont have a lot to choose from.

 

[AquaticFury]

Mabey you could try pictus Catfish but you would need to add some hiding places.

 

[RD.]

He shouldn't add any species catfish.

A pellet can never touch bottom in presence of these greedy fish.

That's why.

The cats will be out in the open, with no place to hide, and nothing to eat. It's a 100 gallon mixed African tank with basically a couple pieces of driftwood in it.

 

[AquaticFury]

He shouldn't add any species catfish.



That's why.

The cats will be out in the open, with no place to hide, and nothing to eat. It's a 100 gallon mixed African tank with basically a couple pieces of driftwood in it.

True

 

[james99]

try smaller pellets? This should cut down on what the drop.