Bristlenose pleco and Malawis?

[fishkeeper01]

Diatoms are plaguing my tank. Could I put a Bristlenose or two to help with the diatoms

 

[Heretik]

I don't see why not. Is your tank newly established? its very common with new tanks. If your tank is established then I would look into your water chemistry. Excess silicates and nutrients in the water are known to cause diatoms. I would do a couple of water changes

 

[evojoey]

I have 7 tanks. Every one of them has bristlenose plecos. They do very well in african cichlid tanks. I agree with Heretik on the water changes. If your tank is established, you shouldn't have diatoms if the water is healthy.

 

[fishkeeper01]

The tank has been running for about two years now. What should I look for and how do I test for it?

 

[fishkeeper01]

Also if the tank is 3ft long, one pleco or two?

 

[fishkeeper01]

Would the long fin variety be ok?

 

[timbo6684]

Would the long fin variety be ok?

IME they don't stay long fin for long so I stick to the short fin variety...I've also found that the standard color do much better at smaller sizes than albino.

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[fishkeeper01]

Does it make a difference if I get a normal Bristlenose or an albino one?

 

[evojoey]

Get whatever kind you like best. I have both. They both do equally well.

 

[adixon816]

Water changes don't always get rid of diatoms themselves. Many water supplies have silicates in the water. Albino vs regular vs super red/calico doesn't matter. I used to keep super reds in my African tanks.

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