Commom plecostumus

[doviiman]

Ok so I use to have a plecostamus (excuse the spelling) and did a great job a keeping the algae off the glass and over flows. (tanks sits by a window) having said that, is there any Pleco better than others at keeping the glass clean other than the standard dark gray plecostumus you get at just about ever fish store. I am in the market for some med to large ones..
Thanks in advance

 

[silent1mezzo]

I personally use Otocinclus cats. I have 6 and they keep the tank super clean.

As far as plecos go, I've also had good success with the Bristle (Bushy) nose pleco. They get to 6-8" and do a good job of eating algae.

Both should be supplemented with algae wafers and vegetables if there isn't enough algae present in the tank.

 

[McPhishy]

Bristlenose? Have you've ever tried a flagtail before? IME they clean tanks better than plecos do.

 

[doviiman]

Bristlenose? Have you've ever tried a flagtail before? IME they clean tanks better than plecos do.

Thanks for the advice! Didn't know a flag tail fish if I am thinking of the same silver fish with the (black and orange tail) ate algae, wow, plus I would need one at least 12 inches so it would not get eaten by my fish that are ranging as big as 24in.

 

[jclyde13]

Don't buy any fish for the sole purpose of cleaning your glass. These are not aquarium maintenance workers (that's your job), and no species is guaranteed to eat the algae anyway. The only thing it's guaranteed to add to your tank is extra waste.

 

[Cybercyde]

Don't buy any fish for the sole purpose of cleaning your glass. These are not aquarium maintenance workers (that's your job), and no species is guaranteed to eat the algae anyway. The only thing it's guaranteed to add to your tank is extra waste.

Agreed. Nerite Snails are winners - assuming your fish won't make snacks of them.

Beyond that, magfloat. ^_^