|
|
|
New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/28/2011 5:58:36 PM
Posts: 10,
Visits: 10
|
|
I have a 90 gallon with several cichlids in it and I'm looking for a algae eater to add. I don't want just any algae eater though i want a colorful ones and need suggestions from the experts, thanks.
j0sh
90 Gallon:
2-Electric Blues
2-Bumblebees
1-Red Zebra
1-Nimbochromis Venustus
1-Demasoni
1-Melanochromis auratus
1-Albino Eureka
1-Bristlenose Pleco
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/24/2012 10:29:35 AM
Posts: 426,
Visits: 265
|
|
| If you want it to eat algae, then don't bother because they won't in the long run. They are just big catfish, bottom feeders, that at smaller sizes eat algae. Not many are colorful, and "bright" is not really an option for a cichlid tank. The only real colorful ones I can think of are the expensive, smaller ones like the gold nugget and zebra plecos that you will almost never see because they hide during the day. I am found of Royal plecos, which get medium sized, are tough enough for cichlids, and have a nice look. The Columbian leopard pleco is also nice looking. You also have the possibility of your cichlids harassing it to death introducing it at this point. Also, remember all these plecos come from the Amazon and have different PH requirements than African cichlids.
|
|
|
|
|
New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/28/2011 5:58:36 PM
Posts: 10,
Visits: 10
|
|
Thank you your reply. What I'm getting from it is that I'm safe getting any pleco that my cichlids won't pick apart. All but one of my cichlids are 2in or less and my tank is only 2 months old. My ph is at about 8 right now so I know I have to drop it a little never had to do that before. Any advice on that?
j0sh
90 Gallon:
2-Electric Blues
2-Bumblebees
1-Red Zebra
1-Nimbochromis Venustus
1-Demasoni
1-Melanochromis auratus
1-Albino Eureka
1-Bristlenose Pleco
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/24/2012 10:29:35 AM
Posts: 426,
Visits: 265
|
|
| The more common plecos you might have better luck at. They are not exactly "pretty" by most opinions, but if you want a "suckermouth catfish" maybe you have a different idea of pretty LOL. I have had the most luck with the Hypostomus pleco. They are generally scrappy and chase off annoying cichlids.
|
|
|
|
|
New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/29/2012 7:28:43 PM
Posts: 21,
Visits: 20
|
|
| I agree if i was you, I would go with a common pleco. I have had one for years now and it does a good job. Only problem is, mine is too big for my fish tank lol! The Plecostomus seems best for me.
|
|
|
|
|
New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/3/2011 12:05:28 AM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 3
|
|
Pleco are the best as they help in keeping unwanted algae growth under control in the aquarium,since algae and plant material are their staple foods in the wild..I have a 4 ft tank for my 4 plecos...And am having it since last 1 year..
low carb bread
|
|
|
|
|
Advanced Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 4:05:28 AM
Posts: 3,351,
Visits: 5,777
|
|
Well, in my experience, bristlenose plecos are the best for keeping algae under control. However, a common is probably best for your setup. You might be able to get away with a sailfin, which gets a little bigger. As has been stated, these big plecs aren't the best for keeping down algae, but will probably survive your cichlids' aggression.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Triple threat: techie, swimmer, biology major.
|
|
|
|