If you are troubled with the recurring appearance of algae at the bottom and glass area of your fish tank, you should consider taking care of algae eating fish. This would be a fantastic investment because this could help you get rid of the quick emergence of algae in your aquarium. Species of fish that eat algae usually scavenge for food at the bottom of aquariums and eat algae accumulating on its glass sides. By having them in your aquarium, you would need less time for cleaning your tank, changing its waters and siphoning out the slime accumulating on it.

But, these species have different kinds of temperaments and needs, so you should be very careful when choosing an algae-eating creature. Here are some of the vital pieces of information regarding the most well loved algae eating fish offered on the market. Once you have learned more about them, it would be simpler for you to look for an algae eater that best suits your needs, preferences and budget.

The Armor plated catfish

The armor plated catfish, also known as the Plecostomus, is one of the widely recognized algae eaters on the market. They are usually two-feet long, and they would stop scavenging for algae once they reach at least nine to ten inches. They are not recommended for people who keep small aquariums, so you should only choose to buy this particular species if you have a honestly large aquarium. You would also need extra budget for supplementing their diet, so they are not advisable for you if you want a low-maintenance algae eater.

The Otocinclus catfish

If you have a small fish tank with many plants, you should go for the Otocinclus catfish. Fishes belonging to these particular species only grow up to one inch. Since these algae eating fish are small and frivolous, they have no capability to ruin the gorgeous plants or even the bonus aquarium supplies inside your tank. This would be perfect for you if you want to keep a heavily planted aquarium.

If you have many plants inside your tank, the accumulating algae inside it would be enough to suffice their needs for nutrients and food. But, they could not be kept with larger fishes. They are only best kept in aquariums with small and peaceful fishes.

The Siamese Algae Eater

Siamese algae eaters are also perfect for well-planted fish tanks. They only grow up to three to four inches, and they can eat the algae off the plants in fish aquariums without destroying the plants. But, you should be very cautious when keeping them with delicate plants because they could cause minor hurts to thin aquarium plants.

Like the Oticinclus catfish, the Siamese algae eating fish could also survive in typical algae supplies. They could also scavenge for some leftover pellets and food left at the bottom of your aquarium. You could also provide them with food supplements if you want to keep them healthier and stronger.

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