Jan 11
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What algae eater is suitable for 10 gallon tank?

8 Comments

in 10 gallon tank

We have one really new Otocinclus catfish in our 10 gallon tank and I understand they have trouble acclimating to a new environment.  I plan on getting another one or two if the first algae eater works out.  Would three ottos take care of a tank our size?  Any other suggestions?

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Posted in Algae by Pond Manager 8 Comments

8 Responses to "What algae eater is suitable for 10 gallon tank?"

  • nosoop4u246 says:
    August 18, 2010 at 3:30 pm
    Reply

    Otos are really the only fish that are true algae eaters that would fit in a 10 gallon tank. The next best option is a Bristle Nosed Pleco, but they can be hard to find. Otos are difficult to acclimate, but if you spend about 1.5 hours acclimating them (floating the bag in the tank and adding 1/2 a cup of tank water to the bag every 10 minutes), they should be fine. Otos are schoolers and are most likely to be active and survive when kept in large groups. A 10 gallon tank cannot facilitate their need to school very well, so get at least 3 (5 is MUCH better). Email me if you have any questions.

    Soop Nazi

    EDIT: Be SURE to AVOID Common Plecostomus. They will reach more than 1.5 feet and are therefore entirely unsuitable for a 10 gallon tank.

    EDIT 2: Ghost Shrimp don’t eat algae. They will remove the excess food from the bottom of the tank (consuming nutrients that algae thrive on), but they will not eat algae. If you want algae eating shrimp, check out Amano Shrimp or Red Cherry Shrimp. They are active, nicely colored, algae eating shrimp that will pick off small bits of hair algae.

  • bettachris says:
    August 18, 2010 at 3:30 pm
    Reply

    depends on how many other fish, but you can.

    ottos like to be in schools. They are better for more established tanks, but they will be fine.. give them a few days.

    Other algae eatters arent really suitable for smaller tanks.

  • Bonsylar says:
    August 18, 2010 at 3:30 pm
    Reply

    Remember that algae eaters poop too. They dirty aquariums far more than they clean.

    I recommend snails, they are smaller and more efficient in cleaning up.

  • t3h guppy beeder says:
    August 18, 2010 at 3:30 pm
    Reply

    the 1 oto snould be enough in a ten gallon tank blus they school so if i wer you i would go by the rule of thumb(not 1 inch rule) the one where if you have a schooling fish then have 1 or at least 6 but other algae eaters include amano snrimp and other shrimp species

  • ♥ Animal Lover ♥ says:
    August 18, 2010 at 3:30 pm
    Reply

    A very good algae eater is a Pleco. We have one and the tank looks spotless! Try getting two or three. lt might work out better. Well, Good luck! (PS. Here is a picture of one)

    http://chaosmongers.org/marcel/aqua/amerika/Pleco.jpg

    And if you look for a pretty one, some can be as pretty as this one!

    http://www.aquascapeonline.com/prodView.asp?idproduct=226

    Also, too get rid of algae fast, turn on the filter and scrape the tank with an old toothbrush. It gets off fast, and the filter sucks it up!

  • turkeyleg0090 says:
    August 18, 2010 at 3:30 pm
    Reply

    Ghost shrimp are great! they only cost 30 cents and all they do is scavenge. they also stay about an inch long. I also like otos, but ghost shrimp were easier for a ten gallon

  • damian_155673 says:
    August 18, 2010 at 3:30 pm
    Reply

    ottos are great for 10 gallons they stay up to 2 inches and like to be in schools

  • Douglas R says:
    August 18, 2010 at 3:30 pm
    Reply

    I think the ottos will be good in your 10 gal. I would suggest getting two more as they tend to get lonely. They are good because they will not get too large for the tank. I would also suggest getting some algea tablets for food.

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