Any ideas for an algae eater in a 20 gallon

[joemamauggly]

I've been redoing my stick lately and the only bottom feeder I have are 4 kuhli loaches with don't really help with algae. I was wondering what I could add that can clean up without needing a large school like cories and won't make a ton of mess like plecos?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920AZ using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[SpaceFish42]

All my tanks with nerite snails have no algae at all, so I highly recommend them. Otos could also work if you aren't interested in the those, but I find snails to be more effective.

 

[ESeck]

+1 on nerites. Always cleaning and they won't breed in fresh water. 2 for a 20 gal should do the trick.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Buckfins]

All my tanks with nerite snails have no algae at all, so I highly recommend them. Otos could also work if you aren't interested in the those, but I find snails to be more effective.

How many would I need for a 55 gal? And would they harm plants?

 

[ESeck]

5 or 6 should easily take care of a 55. They will not harm plants, I have them in my planted tanks.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Deltafishin]

I was thinking of OTO cats for the same reason but perhaps I'll purchase a snail and stick with my stocking plan

 

[fishliker]

Go with nerite snails, you will be glad you did. I have had one of those tan colored caves from petsmart for a long time in a 20 gallon and it had algae all over it. One nerite has it mostly cleaned up. There are 5 in my 55g.


Sent from my iPad using Aquarium Advice

 

[Aliray]

Another vote for nerite snails. I have them in my tanks both Zebras and tracked. Just bought a few more on Teusday from Petco. Alison

 

[Buckfins]

Another vote for nerite snails. I have them in my tanks both Zebras and tracked. Just bought a few more on Teusday from Petco. Alison

GREAT...thanks y'all!!....have 6 ordered and on the way.

 

[Deltafishin]

Me too

Yes thank you for this thread and replies, I just got two oh and another shrimp cause I can

 

[t4runnr]

I love my merited except when they get really big. Then they start laying eggs all over the place. I know they won't hatch but there a tons of unhatched eggs in the glass that I'm just waiting for them to rot off. I could use a razor but I'd rather not risk scratching the glass. SO, other than that, I vote a big +1 on the nerites.

I might just make brackish/salt tank for the nerites so that their eggs can hatch and then I'll have young'ns to put in my display tank.

 

[Deltafishin]

These guys don't play after a few hours one cleaned off 1/8th if my front glass alge

 

[Deltafishin]

A razor blade should not scratch glass unless your tank is plexi

 

[t4runnr]

I know a razor won't. But I know that I could with a razor. =p

 

[Aliray]

Try an old credit card to scrape them off. Won.t scratch the glass, My nerites prefer to decorate my driftwood. Alison

 

[t4runnr]

Thanks. But for the OP don't let my experience with nerites snails deter you away from them.

I intend on getting young ones again.

 

[Deltafishin]

So this morning my snails thanked me for all the alge and left eggs all over the front of the tank. DOH I used my alge pad but it looks like I'm going to have to razor them off as well. But the brown alge is doing great I really didn't need two in a 10g tank.

 

[Laeris]

I leave a goodly number in all my tanks. They also pick up after messy eaters.

 

[Coursair]

If you are getting too much Algae
Reduce Light
Reduce food
Up water changes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk