Every home aquarium owner knows the importance of keeping a tank clean. Contaminated water is the quickest way to spread diseases and trigger health problems. For example, algae blooms are one of the most notorious issues because they drain oxygen from the water. That’s why many marine life enthusiasts add some algae eaters to deplete the algae levels in their tanks naturally. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most popular and effective creatures for this purpose.
1. Nerite Snails Are Inexpensive Tank Cleaners
Nerite snails are one of the most popular algae eaters because they’re cheap and do their job well. Their versatility is a great benefit because they fit in any tank. You can have them in a tiny two-gallon tank or larger. These herbivores love eating algae and uneaten food. They’ll also help clear out dead plants in the tank. It’s also cheap and easy to obtain them, making them ideal for first-time aquarists. We recommend a pH of higher than 7.0 for nerite snails.
Be careful adding them to tanks with fish that may eat them. For example, yoyo loaches and pufferfish will happily gobble them up. They also require mineral-rich water with plenty of calcium to keep their shells healthy. Another key point is that you will need to feed them if they eat all the algae. Algae wafers are available in most marine life stores.
2. Amano Shrimp Are Hardy and Effective
Amano shrimp are another very common algae eater. They’re excellent at consuming fuzzy algae in hard-to-reach corners. These East Asian shrimps are very hardy and can tolerate pH levels of 6.0 to 8.0. They can also handle a temperature range of 65–82°F. We recommend keeping them with peaceful small fish like corys or tetras. Avoid mixing them with bigger fish that may eat them.
Avoid feeding them when there’s an algae outbreak so tastier food doesn’t tempt them. Ensure there are enough minerals in the water to keep them healthy, which is important for all invertebrates. Many people keep about four amano shrimp in their tanks because they’re very effective in a group. They grow up to two inches long so they’re perfect for smaller tanks, helping to keep them clean and healthy. Ensure there’s a tight lid on the tank so they don’t escape.
3. Siamese Algae Eaters Are Small Tank Cleaners
This small freshwater fish species loves eating plant matter and will handle your algae problem. It’s worth noting that some owners say they lose interest in algae as they grow older. However, this isn’t usually the case. Siamese algae eaters are smaller than the similar Chinese algae eaters. They only grow to six inches in length and are perfect for a 55-gallon tank.
It’s inadvisable to get a pair because they may fight. However, a school of four to six Siamese algae eaters will reduce their aggression. You can also feed them standard fish food and blanched vegetables. We advise pairing them with fast-moving species like barbs or cichlids. This is because Siamese algae eaters have endless appetites and will steal all the food.
4. Bristlenose Plecos Are Hardy and Consume Algae
Bristlenose plecos are one of the smallest varieties of catfish. They’re brilliant options for well-balanced freshwater tanks because of their modest size. They only grow to about five inches and have a lifespan of about a decade. We recommend a 20-gallon tank for a single bristlenose pleco. This peaceful fish is also a very hardy species so it’s an outstanding choice for beginners.
They can handle a diverse pH range of 5.8 to 7.8 as well as temperatures of 73 to 81°F. The good news is that you can also mix them with other algae eaters including snails and shrimp. They are herbivores so they won’t eat their tankmates. You can pair them with a variety of species in a community tank because of their placid nature. They also do a decent job of keeping the aquarium free from algae.
5. Mystery Snails Add Diversity to a Tank
These invertebrates are another great algae-eater for freshwater tanks. It’s typical for them to sink to the bottom after owners add them to their tank. But they may grow rapidly and even float in the water. They love eating algae so they’re a great option for keeping freshwater tanks healthy. Many owners like them because they won’t eat live aquarium plants or self-breed.
Mystery snails need a temperature of about 70–78°F and prefer a pH level of at least 7.2. They’re perfect for most home tanks of five gallons or larger. Remember to secure the lid tightly so they don’t escape. Potential tankmates include tetras, corys, and other less aggressive fish. Never put them with loaches because they won’t last long.
6. Mollies Help Maintain Aquariums
Mollies are also fantastic at helping to keep tanks free from algae. There are many sub-varieties of mollies, and they come in different colors. Typically, they grow up to about five inches and thrive in a 20-gallon tank or larger. These are easy freshwater species for new owners to care for. In the wild, they almost exclusively eat algae and other plant matter.
That’s why many people love adding them to their tanks. It’s also undeniably more satisfying to watch them zoom around. We advise keeping at least five mollies together. Never pair two males because they may be aggressive toward each other.
7. Otos Are Suited for Small Aquariums
The otocinclus (or oto) is one of the smallest catfish in the world. Their tiny size makes them perfect for most home aquariums. Hailing from South America, otos have docile personalities and are excellent algae-eaters. They grow up to two inches in length and are hardy regarding water parameters.
Otos have an unfair reputation for being difficult to care for. This is usually because they are in an underfed state in pet stores. Ensure there’s plenty of algae to gorge on when you introduce them to their new tank. This will help strengthen your otos and enhance their health. Don’t overstock your aquarium with otos because they’ll compete for the algae.
