The hidden secrets of hair/string algae removal

[celestialdude]

There are 2 very effective algae eaters that I’ve discovered :

http://www.google.com/search?q=florida+flagfish+OR+%22flag+fish%22

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Caridina+japonica

Apparently this is still a “hidden secret” and it took me a while to find these helpful critters.

I just saw one of my Florida Flagfish swallowing a long string of algae. They will actually tug at the strings and eat them.

The Yamato shrimp are also busily picking at them. Industrious little guys.

Highly recommended for any tank for string / hair algae control!

[celestialdude]

Oh yes, another note… most of the Internet will try to recommend you fish like Siamese / Chinese Algae Eaters, or Flying Foxes. Apparently these guys are really not that effective. Also, they need quite a bit of space and are not ideal in small tank setups. Also I find that most snails don’t eat string / hair algae.

[ste12000]

Yep most of the shrimp species will eat algae, also how about bristlenose plecs?? They keep algae in check and dont grow large, 4 inches is the largest iv seen in a aquarium. They are also easy to breed, if you have a mature pair then you do not need to encourage them. Once you have fry you will never suffer with algae again and you can cash them in at the local shop, then you can buy a phosphate remover to sort your water out and stop algae taking over :lol:

[celestialdude]

Tx for the tip ste12000.

Yeah I had heard of bristlenose plecos, but never really considered it because I’m looking for tiny fish/crustaceans to do the job, given that I have small setups.

Also, hmm yeah I should look into the phosphates issue.

[Crazedpuffer]

Don’t bristlenose pleco’s live happily in a 10 gallon? I know clown plecs stay small and I’m pretty sure bristelnoses do too.

[atlantis_child]

Aww, I just wipe my algae off. Takes a minute each week. No problems

– Atlantis Child

[ste12000]

Yep bristlenoses are ideal for small tanks. Mine are in 20litre and 35 litre tanks and will never outgrow them.. They are also very easy to breed and there cannot be a cuter algae eater than a baby bristlenose.

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