What Fish to Get to Clean Algae

Algae is a problem in both marine and freshwater aquariums. The algae grows because of too much light, water that is not balanced or too much plant food. If not taken care of, the algae will take over the tank. The natural way to handle this issue is to add algae eating-fish to your tank. However, some algae eaters are picky, so you have to know what kind of algae you have before you buy the fish. You also have to certain that the fish you are adding are friendly with your current fish.

  1. Saltwater Algae Eaters

    • It's always best to add an algae eater that eats more than algae as long, but not the other fish in your tank. The best choice is one that specifically eats the kind of algae in your tank. Tangs feed on algae but are extremely aggressive with each other, so as a rule place only one in the tank. Coral beauty, lemon peel and flame angelfish, algae-eating blennies, and rabbitfish are herbivores and they will not be attacking each other or other fish.

    Other Saltwater Options

    • Adding sea urchins, hermit crabs or snails to the saltwater aquarium will help to keep the algae in check. Keep in mind that the number of algae eaters must be limited and their diets supplemented as the algae levels subside.

    Freshwater Algae Eaters

    • Plecos are the most commonly used algae eaters. They love driftwood and keep the glass clean, but they eat small fish when the algae is gone. When that fuzz algae, also called beard algae, appears, the black molly or balloon molly is a good addition to your aquarium. Their babies feed exclusively on fuzz algae.

      If you aren't sure what algae you have, the otos will eat any algae, although it generally eats it at the beginning stages. They are best kept in schools of about six fish, and they will eat other fish if they get hungry. If red, hair or bear algae is an issue, the Siamese algae eaters, also called SAE, should be considered. Red, green and beard algae are favored by the butterfly goodeids. Hair algae is favored by both the rosie barb and the Florida flag fish, but while the former is a peaceful fish, the latter is dangerous to peaceful communities.

    Other Freshwater Options

    • Algae-munching snails and crustaceans can be added to your aquarium to help with the problem. Snails and hermit crabs are packaged together by suppliers and sold specifically for algae clean up. Bubble algae is eaten by emerald crabs. Take care when adding a new living creature to your aquarium. If the tank is overstocked already, just one fish or snail can overwork the biofilter and raise ammonia levels.