Best Small Algea Eater?

[ADJAquariums]

Im looking for something special for my tank, something brutal on algea yet easy on plants, and preferably not ottos (Even though they are a possibility), im thinking a Pleco is a good way to go, its just i dont have a large enough tank for one that gets over 2-3 inches, im currently going to be removing from my 40 tall a Dwarf gourami, Peppered Corys (3), and possibly 2 neon tetras, in addition to the fish im not removing i have an Angel (Soon to be a second), 6 rummynose Tetras, 4 pada cory's and a panda garra (im going to add another two if the LFS i go to has them again) I have good filtration and change 30% a week, if possible im rethinking removing the Dwarf gourami but am 100% willing to remove him if necessary.

Filtration is a 40-50 gal HOB and another 10-20 Gal HOB. im thinking of replacing the 10-20 to a 20-30, or dumping HOB filters entirely and going the Canister route. Advice on this would be nice.

Also i have a large algea problem caused entirely by Natural light, the tank gets it for about 6-10 hours a day where it is.

[AVN]

Oto catfish!

Oh wait did you say no oto's...

Well then Oto catfish!

SAE and CAE grow too big and get aggressive, and stop eating algae. Most plecos get huge too, unless you want to try the Bristlenose.

Oto stay small! eat algae all it's life and is peaceful to all living creatures, even snails.

[Fdsh5]

Originally Posted by AVN

Oto catfish!

+1,000,000. they are awesome cleaners and fun little fish.

[mitchfish9]

Why do you prefer not otos?

[rustbucket]

Otos+++ keep more then one, I'd say 3+, they are sooo much happier in a school and make a much better pet when comfortable.

But you could also go with amano shrimp, they eat algae and don't usually get snacked on by the fish. Bristle nose plecos only get about 5" so they are relatively small. True SAE's should only get about 5-6" as well. You could also go with something like cherry shrimp but they may become a snack.

[TheKribKeeper]

I agree with the oto's I have 15 in my 29g and they keep grazing on the algae non stop rocks plants and the glass. I love them.

[marioman72]

otos r always the best option, but amano shimps r always a great option if u want to try shrimp they always do a huge number on all my algae i get.

[ADJAquariums]

Originally Posted by mitchfish9

Why do you prefer not otos?

I know this is sort of Lame but i dont really like the way they look, they are really the only fish that sort of creep me out, i dont know why.
Mabey ill come around to them

[ADJAquariums]

Looks like otto's are going to do the trick, ill get rid of the peppered corys and get them, i might also pickup some amanos and algea waffers to feed the buggers when they eat all the algea

[TheKribKeeper]

There are many different species of otos some look very exotic. Search for some other species. The plain looking ones I have are otocinclus affinis I believe.

[LB79]

BN plecos poop too much. Rubberlip plecos are the perfect algae eater for smaller tanks or tanks with small, peaceful fish.

[astrosag]

Ottos are a natural choice. If you get enough of them (5+) they may even school nicely for you.

Other options include UFO plecos...these guys literally stick to the surface of your tank and move along it like suction cups.

SAEs and their false brethren will get large, may get aggressive, and tend to start eating the food you feed your other fish (e.g. flakes and blood worms).

Best of luck!

[ADJAquariums]

thanks everyone, looks like ottos are going to be the best choice. Im getting rid of my 3 peppered corys and changing them out for like 3 or 4 ottos and maybey some amanos

[TexasCichlid]

I like a mix of oto cats, nerites and amanos.

[ADJAquariums]

Originally Posted by TexasCichlid

I like a mix of oto cats, nerites and amanos.

Ive got a Nerite and Trumpet snails, but it seems like they arent at all interested in the algea in my tank.