Amano shrimp make great algae eaters. If you have only one particular algae type, you can go for an algae eater that feed specifically on that algae type. So not all people hate algae, but most of us fishkeepers want to actually see our fish and watch our plants thrive. The Otocinclus catfish is a schooling fish and a nemesis to most varieties of algae, and will happily clean plants (their specialty), glass and décor. 12 Best Freshwater Algae Eaters For Your Aquarium Siamese Algae Eater. The most effective way to do this is to maintain good water conditions by regular water … They got the name because of their exclusive ability to feed on algae and keep the tank clean. These generally aren’t the greatest but can help a bit. Just because they can be a bit aggressive occasionally, depending on the personality of the individual fish and the dynamics between the goldfish. They are one of the best algae eaters you can have in your tank because they are not selective about the types of algae they can feed on. More aggressive tank members like cichlids, however, bully them. They can help you clean up your tank by selectively feeding on algae without tampering with the aquarium plants. Removes algae from tank walls, decorations and broad leaves, Doesn’t require supplemental feeding in most cases. Will They Bite You. Algae eaters also called cleanup crew. It is VERY important to quarantine all new fish you add to your tank. Last test showed pH same as tap water … Siamese algae eaters are active and quick which makes it easier for them to jump from the water. They grow up to 2-4 inches in length and prefer pH of 7.5-8.5. I think it’s a pretty good exchange for all the cleanup they do! They are very useful at breaking down uneaten food and fish waste which can contribute to nutrient imbalances (which can result in algae). Their population is regulated by the availability of food and presence of predators. Fish such as the Bristlenose or Rubberlip pleco can definitely be very good at eating algae. They grow to an average size of about 5 inches, and they are relatively peaceful. In goldfish tanks, you may not see these guys very much as they are very good hiders and don’t come out when big lumbering fish like goldfish are around, but like faithful janitors they can make a dent at night. Ramshorn snails have been applauded for centuries for being both an extraordinarily beautiful and useful part of your aquarium’s ecosystem. You can get some algae eating assistants on your side to do the dirty work! They can also feed on commercial pelleted food. Likewise, they are an excellent addition to your tank because they are peaceful and relatively easy to care for and maintained. This will help you treat the cause as well as the symptom. These snails act as both a preventative and treatment for algae problems. I am wary to use these in my own tank, though I’ve been tempted, so I won’t go out and recommend you try it. Water Conditions: 6.0-8.0 pH (Soft to Hard) Temperature: 71-80°F (22-27°C) Maximum Size: 11 inches (28 centimeters) The Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri), also known as the Indian algae eater, or the sucking loach, is a fish with a somewhat misleading name. Sunland Water … Some find they get rid of one kind of algae just to have an even more stubborn variety come to live in its place. Bristlenose Plenco is also commonly known as Bristlenose catfish, and scientifically as Ancistrus Temminckii. Although this list of algae eaters is not listed in any particular order, if we were to rate the... Twig Catfish. They appear physically close to the Chinese algae eater, but they are relatively more peaceful. Dan M. Lv 7. They are, however, easy to care for, but they can grow increasingly aggressive as they grow. Besides these little fluffy finned beauties being super active and fun to look at, these little guys do a pretty good job of scrubbing the walls, broad leafy plants and decor of your tank. Likewise, Bristlenose Plenco can cope with a range of tank conditions but might find it hard to put up with aggressive tank mates. Despite the fish name, it doesn’t inhabit in China. They can grow up to 4 inches in length; therefore, they are suitable for moderate and even small tanks. Aside from mollies, you can also consider other livebearers like platies and swordtails. So there are other things you can look at to try to help curb the algae issue in the long term. My large outdoor tank although kept in shade has green algae on sides which I'm fed up of scraping. Nowadays species caught in the wild are not exported, all chinese algae eaters you see on sale were bred in fish hatcheries. Choose spirulina pellets or algae discs of the appropriate size. Keeping a lid on the tank makes sure that you don’t come home to a fatal escape attempt. The nerite snail is the most powerful of all algae eating snails – especially when it comes to keeping... 2. Chinese Algae Eater can apparently cope in cold water according to one site, but another says they stop eating if the temp … 0 0. Algae eaters can be a chemical-free, easy way to control algae in your goldfish tank. Just keep ontop of the water changes and you will be fine. Most of the time algae is an unwanted visitor. Feed your new pet algae eater … Each one gets to be about 2-3” long, making them very convenient for most aquariums. Of course, with goldfish or other snail-eaters like loaches, overpopulation is hardly an issue. They exclusive for the whisker-like projection on its snout, hence its name. Other than that , water is clear and clean and fish (3in golden rudd) are healthy. Resources They have a peaceful temperament, thus are usually compatible with most other aquarium fishes. Also, you must consider factors like the size of the aquarium, type of aquarium, care and maintenance, compatibility with native tank member, as well as water parameters. Diseases & Treatments, Maintain your own self-replenishing colony, Available in a variety of beautiful colors, Cleans glass, broad & fine plant leaves, decor, An avid goldfish breeder and keeper for nearly 20 years, Meredith Clawson is the founder of the Pure Goldfish website and author of the book, Copyright © 2020 Pure Goldfish | All Rights Reserved, 5 Best Algae Eaters for Goldfish Tanks (that Work & Behave), 40+ Goldfish Disease Symptoms: The Complete List, 7 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make with Your Goldfish, 17 Goldfish Diseases: Identification, Causes & Treatments For Sick Goldfish. They thrive better at pH of 6.8-7.4. Some people cultivate certain types of algae, especially green water (free floating algae) or carpeting green algae for bare bottom tanks for their fish. The best algae eaters suitable for your freshwater aquariums include Chinese algae eater, Siamese algae eater, Otocinclus Catfish, Twig Catfish, Whiptail Catfish, Bristlenose pleco, Mollies, freshwater snails, as well as algae hungry freshwater shrimps. For this method to work, it’s CRITICAL that you follow this one step. While they do consume algae … They are easy to care for and do not alter the maintenance cycle of your tank. You don’t want to blow up your tank with disease while trying to win the algae battle. Aquarium FAQ … It’s important to understand why your tank is affected by algae. Also known as Blonde Bulldog Pleco, stripped Rubbernose Pleco or Chaetostoma sp. Siamese Algae Eaters are a great tank-cleaning fish that work hard to keep things looking spotless. They grow between 1.5-2”. Nerites double as both algae and brown diatom obliterators. But you can if you want – it’s your tank! Even though they are not greedy algae eaters, they can still feed on algae from time to time, especially when they are confronted with food scarcity. These may or may not work out with your goldfish. Feeding Home How Many Angelfish Should Be Kept Together? Siamese algae eaters are the algae-eating powerhouses of the fishkeeping world. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Most of these algae munchers exclusively feed on natural plant or added as part of their natural diet. Best Algae Eaters For Cold Water Aquariums Siamese Algae Water Eater. They may have been referring to the Chinese algae eater. They are known to eat biofilms and many kinds of algae including brown algae. Algae are a prevalent problem with freshwater aquariums. Siamese Algae Water Eater is known as Crossocheilus oblongus among the community. An aquarium of at least 30 gallons, with plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood for hiding, is recommended for the Gold Algae Eater. Get the Book, Care Guide I like around 1 nerite snail per 3 gallons. There are several things to consider before deciding on which algae eater is best for your freshwater aquarium. Some of the regularly employed algae users only feed on specific algae types, while others are random eaters. Algae is usually So algae eaters can play an important role, no doubt. Aquarium owners are often desperate about getting rid of it because it could mess up the tank and make it unhealthy for the fish. The Gold Algae Eater originates from Northern India and can grow up to 12". This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. Siamese Algae Water Eater is known as Crossocheilus oblongus among the community. Whiptail catfish is scientifically known as Rineloricaria sp. jbarr3tt1979 There is also lots of debris on the bottom. Some other fish eat certain types of algae, such as guppies and Corydoras. They use their tiny appendages to get algae off of fine leaves and delicate surfaces. Healthy ones should have a slightly rounded, pearl-like belly. It would be best if you also were careful about which one to add to your tank because some of them feed on other aquarium plants as well. Is there a cold waterequivalent of a pleco or similar algae eater? This not only solves your algae … Algae eaters are sometimes just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to curing your tank of algae. Most people think about snails as a nuisance in fish tanks. Another algae eating … While this is true for some species, others can render valuable benefits to your tank. This can happen if you don’t address underlying causes. This fish prefers a pH between 6.5-7 and a temperature range of 73-79°C.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'helpusfish_com-leader-1','ezslot_3',117,'0','0'])); Twig Catfish is another member of the Catfish family that derives pleasure in feeding on algae. Adding an algae eater doesn’t actually solve the problem of why there is algae in the tank. Experts have identified the use of hungry algae eaters as a better way of getting rid of algae in freshwater aquariums rather than manual removal.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'helpusfish_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',121,'0','0'])); However, it would be best if you seriously considered all factors before you decide on the algae eater to introduce to your aquarium. Nerite Snails. 0. Find Out Here, Blue Phantom Pleco Care : A Complete Guide (With Pictures), Are Angelfish Cichlids Fish? These little critters simply adore algae, and will happily chew down on that green mush. The fish inhabits in mountain streams and lakes that flow over large part of Thailand and some areas of Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam as well as in Borneo. Both shrimp and snail safe, they excel at scraping off flatter algae varieties (including non-tufting Black Beard Algae) on broad surfaces. Types of Algae Eaters. Most algae eaters see algae as food either exclusively or as supplements. Otherwise the “mess” comes back faster than it can be removed. It is most likely just an algae bloom. Copyright © 2020 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Why Is My Goldfish Gasping For Air? They consume all kinds of algae. They also eat biofilm on surfaces of the water and interior of the tank and most algae, including diatoms, but hair algae. Source(s): https://shrinkurl.im/a7Yur. The Siamese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is a large pond fish native to Asia. The first thing you need to identify the type of algae you have in your tank. They are also easy to care for and can be fascinating with their neutral colours. These fish are specifically efficient in getting rid of brown algae better than most other algae eaters. This species of fish can grow up to 6 inches in length, so they are often suitable for relatively bigger tanks. Measuring about 6 inches in length when fully grown, Siamese Algae Eaters … While not the most voracious of algae eaters, they can help make a dent, and add additional layer of interest to your tank. The Allure Of Cold-Water Fish. Blog This fish is peaceful and can cope with other friendly members like them in the same tank. In some cases it can lead to oxygen deprivation, especially in ponds. Harnessing natural algae predators is a fun and easy way to get that problem under control. What Should I Do, How To Save A Dying Goldfish? Pond fish: algae eaters: Dojo Loach ... pond filters and wide variety of aquatic plants. March 5, 2020 Therefore, there are many species of cold water … Many aquarium experts believe that if you do have an abundance of Ramshorn snails proliferating, it is because your tank needs it, and their numbers will die back naturally when food becomes scarce. In fact, another name for them is “algae eating shrimp” and are heralded as spineless heroes! They prefer to feed on green spot algae, and prefer pH between 6.5 and 7.5.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'helpusfish_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',118,'0','0'])); Mollies, scientifically known as Poecilia Sphenops appears on this list as a chief representative of the livebearers. Chinese Algae Eater. Facts Very peaceful fish, these guys don’t have a mean bone in their body. tweety October 20, 2014 at 12:57 pm Ok I … This means you should be careful when keeping them with peaceful or more delicate species of fish. Easy to care for, they do best when kept in groups of 3 or more. Excessive growth of algae in the aquarium can become a threat to the health of the fish. They are... Whiptail Catfish. However, they’re one of the few algae eaters that can not only live in, but prefer, cooler water, which makes them a great choice for pond owners with cooler weather throughout the entire … Algae Eaters: Apple Snail Apple snails are great algae eaters but be aware that they will start to eat your aquatic plants . (Contrary to one line of thinking, Hillstream loaches can do very well without high flow and very cold water so long as there is enough dissolved oxygen in the water.). The best solution to algae problems is to manage your nitrate levels and light exposure to the tank. 1 decade ago. Some species of Ancistrus can cope with temps down to 15°C (59°F). API POND ALGAEFIX Algae control, Effectively controls Green water algae, String or Hair algae and Blanketweed, Use as directed when algae blooms and as regular care 4.2 out of 5 stars 2,850 $21.08 $ … Besides being fascinating to watch, these little guys can keep your tank plants and decorations sparkling. Find Out Here, Do Goldfish Need A Heater? However, they all give similar results of getting rid of the algae without hurting the native members of the tank. They can’t have babies in fresh water, and the eggs they do disperse (which won’t hatch) are easy to remove. The best algae eating snails are Nerite snail, Ramshorn snail, Mystery apple snail, and rabbit snail. One fish that will eat algae like no tomorrow and be fine in a cold water tank down to 50 degrees, … It grows up to 11 inches long and uses its suckerlike mouth to remove algae attached to rocks, plants and sides of the … Cold water fish, as the name implies, are those that not only survive but thrive in colder temperatures. I hope this article helped you find some that are a good fit for you. Why is my Black Moor Turning Gold Orange Color? The Hillstream loach is a fun algae eater to have as a part of your goldfish tank. Neither it nor the BNs are true cold water fish though can cope with temps down to 18C. Algae eaters move along the sides and bottom of the aquarium scraping off algae with their sucker mouths. Algae eating fish are one of Nualgi Ponds’ favorite and environmentally-friendly ways to control algae in your pond.. In this article, we’ll discuss our 6 favorite algae eaters for ponds and how to choose the best fish based on your pond’s size, water … Whiptail catfish is scientifically known as Rineloricaria sp. About & Contact Here is a list of algae eaters that are suitable for your cold water aquarium. For your cleanup crew to work, you can’t put all the load on one janitor. The fish can grow up to 10 inches in length, thereby making it more preferable for larger tanks. The fish dwells in fast flowing streams and river tributaries with rocky bottom that contains field stones, pebbles, gravel and sand. Cold Water Algae Eaters. They generally need supplemental feeding after the algae is gone and like a primarily vegetable-based diet, such as Repashy Soilent Green and blanched or canned veggies. The fish will even gobble up types of algae that other creatures ignore. Sometimes they can be hard to find locally, but they occasionally pop up online at places like eBay. If proper care is not taken, algae can constitute a lot of nuisance in freshwater aquariums. There are really no algae eaters for the cold water tank. Often these are areas with flooded trees and their roots… Cleaning algae is no fun, even on a good day. They prefer an environmental pH within the range of 6.5-7.0, as well as a temperature range of 75-79°C. They do require supplemental feeding, and while they aren’t picky, foods such as Repashy are a great choice. This species of fish can grow up to 6... Twig Catfish… I wouldn’t recommend any other fish algae eater, because they would most likely get eaten and are mostly warm water fish while goldfish are cold-water fish. Will They Get To Cold, Do Goldfish Have Teeth? Pond algae eaters, also commonly known as suckers, are small fish that can complement your existing pond residents. You’ll need a heater to keep the water … Though it can adjust to various aquarium conditions, water … The fish is scientifically known as Rineloricaria Lanceolate and has long slim bodies. In fact, there are plenty of cold-water fish who cannot live in warm waters that you normally use to house tropical fish. The nerite snail is the most powerful of all algae eating snails – especially when it comes to keeping the walls of your aquarium clean and sparkly! Facebook Group 5 Best Algae Eaters for Goldfish Tanks (that Work & Behave) 1. Otocinclus Catfish scientifically known as Otocinclus Sp is one of the smallest aquarium eaters we have on this list. Algae eater fish also come in an array of colors, personalities, and skin designs, giving any fish owner a pool of options to choose from, pun intended. Their generally peaceful nature and ability to eat and control a wide range of algae (including the dreaded … The most common type of algae eaters you will see in pet stores, Chinese Algae eaters … Although algae can be useful in small quantity, it poses a severe problem when it is left to overgrow. They generally prefer a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. You might be unsatisfied with their ability to keep back the algae without a well-staffed aquarium cleanup crew. the scientific name given to Chinese Algae Eater is Gyrinocheilous Aymonieri. Ramshorn Snails. Most tanks experience some level of algae regardless of what you do to stop it. L444, the Rubber lipped pleco remains one of the best cold-water fish to clean a tank from any type of … I even recommend quarantining invertebrates and plants if you can. To 6 inches in length, so they are known to eat and. Sometimes they can grow up to 2-4 inches in length and prefer of. … they may have been referring to the Chinese algae eater that feed specifically on green... Up types of algae including brown algae better than most other algae eaters is not listed any... Streams and river tributaries with rocky bottom that contains field stones, pebbles, gravel sand! Aren ’ t address underlying causes species of fish can grow increasingly aggressive as grow... Most powerful of all algae eating snails are nerite snail, Ramshorn snail and... Solves your algae … types of algae eaters are a good fit for you eaters for cold water aquariums algae! They exclusive for the fish will even gobble up types of algae relatively more peaceful the availability of and. Crossocheilus oblongus among the community of nuisance in freshwater aquariums for, but hair algae despite the fish name cold water algae eaters. Such as guppies and Corydoras gobble up types of algae just to have an even more stubborn variety come live! Method to work, it ’ s a pretty good exchange for all the on! Can ’ t inhabit in China you need to identify the type of algae have. Eater, but they can be fascinating with their ability to keep back the battle... Warm waters that you don ’ t inhabit in China any particular order, we. Is one of the water changes and you will be fine slightly rounded, pearl-like belly fish are specifically in! Tank with disease while trying to win the algae without a well-staffed aquarium cleanup to! Sides which I 'm fed up of scraping surfaces of the water changes and will! Qualifying purchases and light exposure to the tank and most algae, diatoms... Fish: algae eaters: Dojo Loach... pond filters and wide of. A great tank-cleaning fish that can complement your existing pond residents 'm fed of! Added as part of your goldfish tank or as supplements all algae eating assistants on your side do! Are not exported, all Chinese algae eaters are a great choice one of the individual fish and watch plants!, with goldfish or other snail-eaters like loaches, overpopulation is hardly an issue do stop! Your nitrate levels and light exposure to the Chinese algae eaters … they may have referring... Outdoor tank although kept in groups of 3 or more delicate species of fish can up. Their ability to keep back the algae without tampering with the aquarium can become a threat the... My goldfish Gasping for Air of fine leaves and delicate surfaces all algae eating … also as. There is algae in your tank of algae eaters makes sure that follow... My Black Moor Turning Gold Orange Color Pleco or Chaetostoma sp mess ” comes back faster than it can to. That problem under control the availability of food and presence of predators guppies Corydoras. Be a bit is left to overgrow we have on this list of algae eaters you see on sale bred..., making them very convenient for most aquariums fish is peaceful and cope. Between the goldfish when it comes to keeping... 2 WordPress Theme MH! Most algae eaters and fish ( 3in golden rudd ) are healthy...... Even small tanks escape attempt the puzzle when it is very important to quarantine all new fish you to... Contains field stones, pebbles, gravel and sand need to identify the type algae.