6 Algae Eaters to Get for Your Freshwater Aquarium

Most freshwater aquarists want their tanks to look sparkling clean. A small bit of algae is a sign of having a healthy tank, but algae grows rapidly and having algae eaters to control the growth is a must. There are many algae eaters you can choose from to clean your aquarium. The staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a trusted provider of freshwater aquarium supplies, has put together a list of a few of the most popular freshwater algae eaters.

1. Bristlenose Plecos

These common algae eater fish are easy to care for. They require 25 gallons of slightly soft to slightly hard water. They grow up to five inches and get along with nearly all fish in a community tank. Bristlenose plecos come in many colors and they darken as they get older. These fish need blanched vegetables and bottom-lying algae tablets in their diet and prefer low rock shelters.

2. Siamese Algae Eaters

In addition to algae, these fish eat leftover pellets, flakes, and live food. They’re great to have in a tank. They require 30 gallons of water with a temperature in the upper 70s. They can grow to six inches, get along with most fish, and prefer planted aquariums with wide leaves to sleep on. Siamese algae eaters will also eat thread and brush algae, which other algae eaters often skip.

3. Twig Catfish

Twig catfish require 12 gallons of moderately soft water for each pair. They can eat nearly all algae species but will need spirulina algae tablets in their diet. They reach four inches and get along with docile species such as hatchets, tetras, and pencil fish. However, fish such as cichlids and barbs will attack them. Twig catfish love tanks with many plants and bogwood.

4. Nerite Snails

These snails only reach 1 inch and breed slowly. They require soft to slightly hard water. They’re very easy to care for and get along with nearly all the fish in a community tank, buy species such as cichlids, crayfish, loaches, and goldfish will attack them. Nerite snails will even seek out the moss-like green spot algae.

5. Ramshorn Snails

Ramshorn snails only reach 2 cm and can breed quickly. They’re easy to care for and require 5 gallons of water. Fish such as loaches and cichlids will attack them, but they get along with peaceful fish. Unlike other snails, ramshorn snails don’t eat plants unless there’s algae on them. They eat algae off of plants, decorations, rocks, and tank glass.

6. Cherry Shrimp

Reaching 1.6 inches and requiring 2 gallons for one or two pairs of shrimp, cherry shrimp are great at eating algae from hard-to-reach places that fish can’t get to. They’re easy to care for and get along with non-aggressive fish such as otocinclus catfish, dwarf rasbora, and neon tetra. Fish such as cichlids and angelfish will attack them.

If you don’t want to add additional inhabitants to your aquarium but need tips on keeping the tank algae-free, reach out to Aquatic Warehouse. We offer a wide array of solutions for getting rid of algae. We also carry several high-quality freshwater planted aquariums. Take a look at our website, stop by our store in Kearney Mesa, or call us today at 858-467-9297.