Small algae eaters

[platycrazy19]

What are some good small algae eaters for a ten gallon tank? Besides the obvious snail or shrimp

 

[Gboy66]

Eh i dont think there are any. I was thinking bristlenose plecos, but then saw 10g otos! But u need at least 3

 

[platycrazy19]

I know I kind of thought of the bristlenose pleco as well but even though it doesn't get very big 10g is still considered to small

 

[Gboy66]

Yaa are you sure you want an algea eater bec im not sure if any are small enough. Pygmy corys would clean the bottom but i have a feeling thats not what your lookin for

 

[platycrazy19]

I was looking for more of an algae eater. I do have an upside down catfish and he helps keep the bottom clean. I was just curious if there were any good small algae eaters I didn't know of.

 

[aqua_chem]

Why do you need an algae eater?

 

[agwats]

All of the small algae eaters I know of, other than inverts, need at least a 20 gal. Red cherry shrimp eat algae and are a nice colorful addition to a small tank. If you are having algae issues you may need to cut back amount of time your lights are on or feed less(or both)

 

[platycrazy19]

Thanks. I dont really need an alage eater i just thought it might be a nice addition

 

[Gboy66]

Ya im not sure.. Do you have any other tanks? What is currently in the 10?

 

[bruinsbro1997]

Just the standard snails and shrimp unfortunately, I don't believe otos can fit in that size of a tank. But there are many cool nerite snails and shrimp though

 

[platycrazy19]

I just have the 10g. Maybe ill consider getting some shrimp. I did see some nice ones as my lfs

 

[Gboy66]

Shrimp are fun too! Easy to breed

 

[jetajockey]

I'm going to go against the grain and say that a couple of otocinclus are fine in an established 10g. I've got some that are a year to two years old at least and they aren't big at all, maybe 2" at the most.

 

[absolutangel04]

I'm going to go against the grain and say that a couple of otocinclus are fine in an established 10g. I've got some that are a year to two years old at least and they aren't big at all, maybe 2" at the most.

I actually agree. Most people do not think 10 gallons is big enough though. But, I have kept otos in a variety of different tank sizes, and I currently have 2 in a 10g and they are fine. Personally, I wouldn't keep more than 2 in there though. Mine have always been just as active in pairs as in trios.

 

[alex07]

I'm going to go against the grain and say that a couple of otocinclus are fine in an established 10g. I've got some that are a year to two years old at least and they aren't big at all, maybe 2" at the most.

I agree, I have 2 in a 10g as well

 

[Tigroscr]

Well I have a bn pleco in a 10 right now cuz he's so itty bitty but I know eventually I will have to move him! But right now he's no more than 2 inches!

 

[Coursair]

I have 2 Otos in a 10g. I have 2 in a 5g. They've been there for over a year and look great. I plan to add them into the 10g as I may have a female with eggs. Hoping a brief group swim might get some breeding behavior. All my tanks have live plants.


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