Nymox Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 Well I think thats what they might be called anyway, those ones that cruise around cleaning up the messes left by other fish. Well what I want to know is, do they acually help keep the tank clean and free of algae?, or would I be better off with a few snails or something else? My fighter is quite the timid little man so I dont want anything too big and scary, but a lil inside help in tank maintenance wouldnt be a bad thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New_to_fish_world Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 Well I think thats what they might be called anyway, those ones that cruise around cleaning up the messes left by other fish. Well what I want to know is, do they acually help keep the tank clean and free of algae?, or would I be better off with a few snails or something else? My fighter is quite the timid little man so I dont want anything too big and scary, but a lil inside help in tank maintenance wouldnt be a bad thing. I have two in my tank and I find them pretty good They are pretty good and mine try and stay away from the fish. I also have snails in saying that tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 Bottom feeders need food in their own right. They are not there just to scavenge others' leftovers. Some are better at it than others and many don't eat algae at all. They certainly do help keep the bottom of the tank clean. It is always good to have top, middle and bottom feeders in an aquarium. Snails often produce more waste than they eat and are prolific breeders! Most small bottom feeders will not bother a Siamese fighter at all. Corydoras, bristlenoses and small loaches will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BikBok Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 i keep a bristlebnose and 3 kuhli for my cleanup crew. But they also get their own sinking food every 2nd day and the BN loves vege once or twice a week. The BN eats most algae and I also have a couple of snails (trumpet for the gravel, ramshorn for the glass and plants) to get the rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nymox Posted September 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 Bottom feeders need food in their own right. They are not there just to scavenge others' leftovers. Some are better at it than others and many don't eat algae at all. They certainly do help keep the bottom of the tank clean. It is always good to have top, middle and bottom feeders in an aquarium. Snails often produce more waste than they eat and are prolific breeders! Most small bottom feeders will not bother a Siamese fighter at all. Corydoras, bristlenoses and small loaches will be fine. Cool Im going down for a look now, might avoid snails due to the breeding then and the waste issue. Thanks alot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 Waste issue? I've had snails almost since I started and they've been no problem. You'll get them anyways if you have plants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 It seems to depend on conditions and the type of snail as to how many you end up with. Watch the apple snails though. There are 2 types and one of them eats plants! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nymox Posted September 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 ah righto, well the lps didnt have any bottom feeders anyways, I wanna corydora if I can get one. Just put some plants in now too so I should be expecting snails then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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