Yes, by controlling aquarium algae you’ll ensure your fish and plants have a healthy, balanced living environment.

What are algae eaters?

The easy way to rid your tank of algae.

Algae eating aquarium fish live in harmony in the aquatic environment and feed on algae, very effectively cleaning the tank. The 3 types of algae eaters are fish, snails and shrimp. These bottom-dwelling creatures reduce the risk algae poses to your fish and plants.

Best fish for algae control

picture of oto catfish sucking algae off glass — *Oto catfish feed on brown or soft green algae*

There are several types of fish categorized as an algae eater. These include Suckermouth catfish (Bristlenose), Oto, Siamese, Ancistus, Garrra and American flag fish among the most popular.

Your choice will depend on which one is easily available to you, the size of your tank and the type of algae you need to control. They each have their areas of ‘expertise’ when it comes to cleaning up.

Algae eating snails

The best algae eating snails are the Nerite snails. They clear out all the algae but won’t harm your plants.

They are delicate and need to be introduced into an already established aquarium with fully cycled water. Once settled, they’re easy to keep and just need plenty of algae to keep them satisfied. If you need to, supplement their diet with algae wafers (your fish will love these wafers too) and they will eat peas.

Algae eating shrimp

When choosing shrimp, Cherry (Red) Shrimp or Amano Shrimp are the best options.

The benefit is they are shrimp that don’t uproot or damage your aquarium plants. Although they clean plants, they remain intact and undamaged.

Red Shrimp enthusiastically eat all types of algae including the troublesome hair algae.

How they improve your tank

Algae eaters play their part in the overall maintenance of your fish tank.

You’ll start to notice lumps of vegetation and spots that are the beginning of plants known as algae. It thrives on the same things that help your fish to grow healthy – light, water and nutrients.

Growing on stones often at the bottom of the tank or on glass walls, control is difficult and if unchecked it quickly becomes a menace to your fish and unsightly.

Why is algae in a fish tank damaging?

If it’s allowed to dominate your tank it uses up all the carbon dioxide in the water and uses the nutrients in the water to grow
It causes nitrates and phosphates to build up which are harmful to the plants and fish
It grows extremely fast detracting from the clarity of the aquarium
Algae denies the useful plants the nutrients needed to survive

There are several accessories needed to set up and maintain your aquarium such as water filters, water conditioners and aeration.

Basic care includes

cleaning-up of the fish tank or pond
ensuring that water circulation is on point
making sure that enough light gets to the aquarium
establish and protect necessary nutrients for the fish and plants

Get your best assistants on board to help you and add algae eaters.

Food for algae eaters

*Vegetable-rich algae wafers are suitable for saltwater fish and freshwater*

There can be times when you need to supplement food for your little workers. Just getting your tank established, you might have added more or some algae eaters have a voracious appetite.

Algae wafers are made from compressed vegetable matter and protein especially developed for algae eaters. They’re in the form of a light disc and sink for the bottom-feeders. Water won’t become cloudy by adding them.

If you need to supplement the amount of algae in the tank, these are a great addition and are a power-packed supplement for your fish as well.