Flying Fox, snails, or what for algae?

[Nabbig2]

I have algae problems in my 29. I would have obviously got some sort of dwarf pleco, but because of tankmates, I really don't think bottom feeders will do well in my tank, because they will not get the food. My goldfish eat anything and everything. I have 2 large goldfish, a bichir, 4 cories, and an opaline gourami. What could go in there to eat algae? I was thinking of a flying fox maybe. Would an apple snail work? Would ramshorn snails work? I was thinking though, that if I got a few ramshorn snails my goldfish would gobble them up before they can reproduce.

(Before you flame me for this odd combination of fish; I got them very long ago, when I didn't know so much about fish, but they are doing well anyway). Thankyou for suggestions.

 

[Mystix212]

A flying fox grows to 5-6" and gets pretty active so its a no go for a 29G. Some oto's will clear the algae, but first of all, figure out the source of the algae and end the source.

 

[groovitudedude]

Sorry, gotta flame you for the bichir, and keeping a goldfish w/ tropical fish.

Now that that's over with, I'd suggest a smaller pleco or tiny chinese Algae eater. Both are relatively slow growers, and by the time they get bigger, you will probably have a bigger tank. Unless you don't plan on upgrading. And I gotta give you props for keeping those fish alive in the same tank.

 

[Nabbig2]

A flying fox grows to 5-6" and gets pretty active so its a no go for a 29G. Some oto's will clear the algae, but first of all, figure out the source of the algae and end the source.

Hmmm....I don't know exactly the source. Maybe I should get a phosphate tester or something. I don't think it is the sun; there is no direct sunlight on the tank at all. I have a 10g next to a window that has no alge at all.

I used to have a a pleco in the 29g, and he kept the algae completely clear. Would an applesnail work do you think? Or would the fish pick on an apple snail?

EDIT: I see your post now, groovitudedude. Yeah....I don't know how I manage to keep them alive. I got the bichir as a present. Unfortunately, I doubt I will be able to get a new tank until I am done with high school and college, and on my own.

I'm sure that a bristlenose pleco would eat the algae, but again, I doubt he would get any food unfortunately...Anyway, I heard algae eaters can be aggressive. To what extent?

 

[groovitudedude]

What happened to the pleco? And I can't see any problems with a snail that's pretty big. It should help, but be careful what you add.

 

[Nabbig2]

What happened to the pleco? And I can't see any problems with a snail that's pretty big. It should help, but be careful what you add.

Honestly, I have no clue why my pleco died. He was doing well before. This was very long ago, when my goldfish were much smaller. Do apple snails need any specific parameters?

 

[groovitudedude]

I don't know. In all my tanks, there are snail murderers.

 

[Druu]

Goldfish won't eat snails. They're stupid, but they'll sense that it's too hard and spit it out. I've got an oscar spitting MTS all over the tank after picking them up.

 

[Lupin]

What exactly is the algae you are having problems with? A flying fox will obviously be eaten by the bichir.