Just wondering which I should go for. I have a few CAE but they like to stay on the bottom and rarely eat the algae on the sides of the tank. Which is better for algae control on tank walls? Also, if plecos are better, I would like some info on specific kinds of plecos that LOVE to eat algae and don't get more than 5-6" as I have heard some plecos don't eat algae off tank walls.
Plecos or Otos for algae control???
- Thread starter Mofo2713
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chrism
Aquarium Advice Freak
I havent ever kept otto's so i would say a bristlenose catfish or bushynose plec same fish diff names lol they dnt grow any more than 5-6" i think 4-5" is closer to theyre actual full grown size. I havent got any algae in my tank! And i'll often see her on the walls, she was a 1" from the surface the other day 
grimlock3000
Aquarium Advice Addict
Your 20g tank is already pushing the limits of stocking. I would not add a Pleco to that tank as they do produce a lot of waste. Try a couple Otos, they are small, fun to watch, and typically stick to the glass and plants.
nfeagle5
Aquarium Advice Regular
I have 2 CAE. O bought them at 1/2" and now both are above 3". I have never had a prollem w/algea in my tanks since ive had these guys
Meredith
Aquarium Advice Addict
I have two otos and 0 algae. I had a pleco and he did a great job, but it was a common and would have gotten too big, I gave him away. He mad A LOT of poo! The otos make a fair amount of waste, but it seems easier to clean to me. I LOVE my otos, they are so cute and fun to watch. I actually have to supplement their diet so they don't starve.
WilliS
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
i have a pleco...about 5 inches...and he cant do anything for my 80 gallon tank... anyone have suggestions? i think im about to go to plants just to keep the alge down...
i have a good amount of light... 2x 18,000k bulbs... 1 watt per gallon... and i leave my lights on a good 12 hours... i fear im going to have problems....
anyone have suggestions? my pleco hasnt even scratched the surface of my alge problems
i have a good amount of light... 2x 18,000k bulbs... 1 watt per gallon... and i leave my lights on a good 12 hours... i fear im going to have problems....
anyone have suggestions? my pleco hasnt even scratched the surface of my alge problems
grimlock3000
Aquarium Advice Addict
Many types of Plecos STOP eating algae as they get larger. You probably have one such Pleco.
I have 65 w of light on my 26g tank, 2.7 watts per gallon. I have to leave the light on for 12+ hours a day to get any noticable algae in the tank. Heck, I actually skipped a couple of weekly water changes trying to get more algae in the tank 8O The Oto and tiny Clown Pleco eat any algae that appears in the tank during the day. If the Bushynose Pleco gets hungry, he goes hunting for algae at night. With the right fish, algae will not be an issue for most tanks.
Meredith
Aquarium Advice Addict
My otos hang out on the glass pretty much all the time. Except towards evening then they are flying all around the tank. I give some veggies, cucumber, broccoli (which they have yet to eat), they LOVE peas, and algae wafers. They seem to be doing ok.
Jaxom_Ruatha
Aquarium Advice Activist
Rubbernose pleco are also good algae eaters and only get about 5-6" big.
