small algae eater?

[Jagwa]

hey all. i own a 30 gal tank. i have recently noticed that some of my plants are getting a brown algae on their leaves. i have 3 cories, 8 neons and 2 rams. Are there any small algae eating fish that can help me with this problem?

 

[LindsayBlum]

Ottos? They're great. I have 3 in my 40 gallon community tank.

 

[SpeedEuphoria]

if its a new tank its likely diatoms which should go away with time, the Oto is one of the only fish that will clean it up

 

[Jagwa]

just looked them up, they look like just what i need! thnks for the help

 

[JohnPaul]

Otos are great little guys, and yes they love eating diatoms (brown "algae"). If you have only a little of the brown stuff, then 1-2 otos would probably suffice. If you have a lot, then 3-4 would be better. They are actually shoaling fish so erring on the side of getting a larger number is not a bad thing, as long as your tank isn't overly stocked.

 

[rich311k]

A bn will work as well.

 

[Jagwa]

what is a bn?

 

[rich311k]

bristle nose pleco

 

[rachaelsosilly]

Otocinclus! They are cute, and don't get real big either.

 

[bs6749]

Just make sure the "BN pleco" you buy is an ancistrus and not the other since they will get too large. Ancistrus only get 4" max for a large male.

 

[Taelen]

Will Oto's play nice with Corys and a betta?

My 10g has constant algae issues and could use some cleaners.

 

[JohnPaul]

Will Oto's play nice with Corys and a betta?

My 10g has constant algae issues and could use some cleaners.

Yep. Otos wouldn't hurt a fly. I suppose there is a chance (0.01%) that your betta might decide he/she doesn't like the otos and starts picking on them. But if your betta can tolerate corys, then I would think it would certainly tolerate a few otos.