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What kind algae eater?

Caper
in Catfish

Featured Replies

Hi all!

I have a 10 gallon tank, 20" long, 10" wide, 12" deep.

I've been trying to decide on what kind of algae eater to get. This is what has been recommended, bristlenose or oto.

Dwarf pleco was also suggested...he thought you folks in this section might have more info on the dwarf pleco.

I have 1 goldfish (I know, shouldn't have with tropicals, but pet store failed to tell me that!), 1 red wag platy, and 3 black neon tetras.

Only 2 places that sell fish here, so might be hard to get certain ones. Don't know yet though :roll:

  • Quote

    Your tank is really a bit small (that goldfish will definantly outgrow a tank that small), is there any chance of getting a bigger one?

    Oto's would be alright in this tank, you will want to get about 4 because they are a schooling fish, but it is not ideal.

    Cheers, CatBrat.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Hi CatBrat,

    No...wouldn't be getting a bigger tank for a long time, unfortunately.

    you will want to get about 4 because they are a schooling fish, but it is not ideal.

    What's not ideal? I'm not even sure what I can get yet.

    Hi Hummingbird, Snowman!

    I'm going to have find out what I can get. Called the pet store today to see if they had algae eaters, yes...Chinese algae eaters. I told her the size of my tank and such...she said they'd be FINE! I don't think it was the lady that owns the store. It sounded like the lady that was working when I got the tetras, which I'm convinced now are black neons!

    After everything I've seen here and on the net, a chinese algae eater is NOT something for my tank....ummmm...right!

    The department store is getting fish again. I asked this evening if they get oto's...she said she maybe able too. She showed me a list and all that I saw listed was otoclunis...shoot, think I spelled it wrong. Anyway, there 's different kinds isn't there?

  • Quote

    Hi Caper, the one your after is Otocinclus.

    I wouldnt go for the chinese algae eater as they are around the 6" mark fully grown, recommended tank size is 25+ Gal.

    Could always try to find some sort of fish club in your general area and they would be able to point you in the right direction.

    Good luck : -)>

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