Platies and algae

[joannde]

Since upgrading my lights in prep for planting my tank I've noticed alot more spot algae (even 12 1" mystery snails aren't keeping up with it !) - its on the glass and on some of my silk plants. Its brown and wipes off the glass easily - so I'm ASSUMING its spot algae.

I've noticed the platies picking at it - they don't do a terribly good job of cleaning it off, but I was curious if they're known for this.

 

[hulkamaniac]

Yeah, platies and other livebearers eat algae. I've heard some people claim they're excellent at it and I've had other people claim they aren't. IME, they aren't.

 

[joannde]

thanks - I was beginning to wonder if my fish were just WEIRD ! LOL

 

[rich311k]

My black mollies pick at hair algae all the time.

 

[Alshain]

My swords eat algae but not enough to make a dent compared to my otos. My swords do like to eat the leaves on my stem plants though. I really wish they wouldnt do that. Occasionally when the otos clear out the tank I will drop and algae wafer in there and the swordtails will pick at it.

 

[Apocalypse_Gold]

Skip a feeding or two and they will eat more.

 

[Elle2]

Yup.. I wouldn't say they are good cleaners but mine really like it.. . I really have to watch that they don't finsih off the algae pellets before anyone else gets a chance at them.