Algae eater needed for a goldfish tank...

[Skaff]

Hi all,

I have a 29gal(@72 degrees F) with 3 orandas. 2 small, one small-medium. I have a horrendous algae problem, and was wondering what kind of algae eater would be suited for that environment. I know the goldfish are big waste producers.

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Those Orandas are gonna out grow that tank. I hope you plan on up grading later. I currently have an Oranda tank that I keep a Blue Spot Pleco with them.. However, A Blue Spot would be to big for your tank. I would have to suggest a Rubber Lipped Pleco for a tank that size.

 

[Skaff]

Yes, yes, I know they'll outgrow it, and I will be upgrading. So, with that in mind, any others? Thanks for the one pleco suggestion.

 

[Menagerie]

I don't know what temp otos like, but I hear they do a good job. I own a Rubber Lip pleco and highly recommend getting one!

 

[Skaff]

That's two recs for that pleco, that's enough for me! My local fishie place happens to have some in stock, too.

 

[Sati]

<--- Skaff's girlfriend

Yeah, the algae is relentless. I took some shots of it after letting it grow for to weeks. I've never seen algae like this with this type of pattern on the glass.

Here's the whole tank:
http://www.ourglasshouse.com/holly/fish/Oranda/Oranda_algae1.jpg

Here is the green (and some brown) algae up close on the glass:
http://www.ourglasshouse.com/holly/fish/Oranda/Oranda_algae2.jpg

And here's the brown hair algae growing on the rocks, silk plants, and even the poor freakin snails:
http://www.ourglasshouse.com/holly/fish/Oranda/Oranda_hair algae.jpg

I just hope that a bristlenose wouldn't be bothered by goldfish. I've never had any other tankmates with them. I know they'd eat otos, heh. And the temp stays at a near constant 72 without a heater so the pleco should be OK temp wise.

 

[Christmasfish]

the pattern looks like snail nibbles..are your snails that big? 8O
maybe your golds are grazing on it too.
Wow...i will be happy with my dusty diatoms... they can be vacuumed...

 

[Sati]

Oh yeah, I would much rather have diatoms. This stuff is so prolific. I have to scrape it off all the time to see the fish. It must just thrive on all of the Oranda excretions or something. We have a decent size golden apple snail and a ramshorn in there. I wonder if the algae looks like that because it's growing on top of the snail marks. I really have no idea, heh.

Ya'll think one bristlenose would be OK on it's own, or do they need to school? I'd prefer to just get one for now.

NM, just read this: "They are peaceful, but territorial towards other bristlenose catfish (and occasionally other bottom dwellers), so provide them with plenty of bogwood to rest on if you have several."
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/ancist.htm

 

[Menagerie]

Sati and Skaff--

I just hope that a bristlenose wouldn't be bothered by goldfish.

I didn't say bristlenose; Rubber Lipped (Chaetostoma cf. thomsoni) is different . I have no idea on the size difference between the two, I only know the RL that I have had for over a year is still small 4-5". If I saw him more often, I would be able to tell you exactly how big he is .
A couple of links to help: http://www.our-oasis.net/main/fish/species/19 or http://www.our-oasis.net/main/fish/species/5 The second link has the pleco that more closely resembles mine, which does have stripes. According to this web site, this pleco only reaches 4”. FYI—my little guy loves the driftwood in the tank. HTH

[center:db4bd8bb39] BTW--WELCOME TO AA, Skaff! [/center:db4bd8bb39]

 

[Menagerie]

I saw my little pleco last night. My guess on his size was WAY OFF. He's only 2 1/2 inches (head to tail) . No wonder I don't see him much!

 

[Allivymar]

LOL You dragged the BF in eh Sati? You go girl LOL

I'd suggest a bristlenose, especially if you guys are upgrading at some point (they'll top out around 5-6 inches).

As much as the otos would do a bangup job on the diatoms, they are too sensitive for the mess goldies make. Also they'll need higher temps.

 

[ChileRelleno]

Even if the Goldies didn't eat the Oto's the Oto's are very dependent on water quality and big nasty mega waste producing goldies would not be a good match IMO. Also the Goldies are way to active for the Oto's.
The Bristlenose would be a good choice as they do not get overly large like many of other Plecs, just give'em a place to hideout.

 

[AdamsZoological]

Also with the Otos, the temperature in a goldfish tank would be a bit much for them. As said earlier in the thread, either rubber lip, or bristle nosed should do fine

 

[stoneydee]

Just an FYI - Sometimes there's a problem with suckermouth types of catfish and goldfish - as they get older the plecos are attracted to the goldfishes' slime coat, and will attach to the goldfish. Goldfish have lost eyes like that.

 

[Skaff]

We ended up with a bristlenose, and it's a godsend. The tank is 100x cleaner than usual. Well worth the $5!

 

[Menagerie]

YEAH!!!