best algae eaters for tanks with bichir
best algae eaters for tanks with bichir
My tank's dealing with some diatoms/brown algae, I'm aware there's multiple reasons for it and I'm on top of maintenance. Adding more plants is the plan, and I've also been considering getting an algae eater, maybe a pleco. I know they don't mix well with bichir - how bad is it really if they're in the same tank? If it's a no-go, what other algae eaters are there besides snails that I can add? My bichir are still small so it might work if the algae eater can grow decently.
Re: best algae eaters for tanks with bichir
Don't assume your Bichirs will stay small - it's a recipe for disaster down the line. This hobby demands long-term thinking, and 'yet' is a word that can come back to haunt you.
When you keep fish like Bichirs, you're essentially their tankmate, and I'm not convinced any algae eater would thrive - or even survive - in their presence.
Larger armoured plecos can be decent algae eaters when they're young, but as they mature, they start seeking more substantial food sources.
When you keep fish like Bichirs, you're essentially their tankmate, and I'm not convinced any algae eater would thrive - or even survive - in their presence.
Larger armoured plecos can be decent algae eaters when they're young, but as they mature, they start seeking more substantial food sources.
-
bettaMagenta - Posts: 423
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2022 2:01 am
Re: best algae eaters for tanks with bichir
While a large enough Pleco can be a suitable algae eater for Bichirs, I'd advise against the common Pleco due to its massive size. However, I do have an 8-10 inch Pleco that coexists with my Bichir, and it does a great job keeping the tank clean.
I'd recommend avoiding the bushy Plecos, as they don't get large enough and may become a snack for your Bichirs later on. There are other Pleco species, like the royals, that can grow big enough to live with your Bichirs, but many of them don't eat much algae or have different dietary preferences as they grow.
Common Plecos are indeed prolific waste producers, and at 18 inches, you'll need a substantial setup to support them. If you're considering adding a common Pleco to a tank with 3 Bichirs, you'll require a tank larger than 75 gallons with heavy filtration.
When introducing a common Pleco, it's essential to get one that's already as big as your largest Bichir. Since these fish often outgrow their tanks, adopting a larger one is a better option. They've earned a bad reputation due to becoming an invasive species, primarily because people underestimate their growth rate and release them into the wild. Before getting a common Pleco, make sure you're committed to providing the necessary care and space for it to thrive, just as you would for your Bichirs.
I'd recommend avoiding the bushy Plecos, as they don't get large enough and may become a snack for your Bichirs later on. There are other Pleco species, like the royals, that can grow big enough to live with your Bichirs, but many of them don't eat much algae or have different dietary preferences as they grow.
Common Plecos are indeed prolific waste producers, and at 18 inches, you'll need a substantial setup to support them. If you're considering adding a common Pleco to a tank with 3 Bichirs, you'll require a tank larger than 75 gallons with heavy filtration.
When introducing a common Pleco, it's essential to get one that's already as big as your largest Bichir. Since these fish often outgrow their tanks, adopting a larger one is a better option. They've earned a bad reputation due to becoming an invasive species, primarily because people underestimate their growth rate and release them into the wild. Before getting a common Pleco, make sure you're committed to providing the necessary care and space for it to thrive, just as you would for your Bichirs.