Algae eaters for a freshwater tank

These graze algae and biofilm. None of them replaces cleaning the glass, and all of them need feeding once the algae runs out. Several grow far larger than they look in the shop, so check the minimum tank size.

10 that fit

Otocinclus

10 gal+72–79°FpH 6.0–7.5Groups of 4+

Bristlenose pleco

29 gal+73–81°FpH 6.5–7.5

Nerite snail

5 gal+72–78°FpH 7.0–8.5

Siamese algae eater

40 gal+75–79°FpH 6.5–7.5

Hillstream loach

20 gal+68–75°FpH 6.5–7.5Groups of 3+

Clown pleco

20 gal+73–82°FpH 6.5–7.5

Common pleco

125 gal+72–82°FpH 6.5–7.5

Rubber lip pleco

29 gal+68–78°FpH 6.5–8.0

Chinese algae eater

55 gal+72–82°FpH 6.0–8.0

Mystery snail

5 gal+68–82°FpH 7.0–8.0

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