Shrimp tank and their algae eater , but which algae eaters ?

**marimo** · 24th Aug 2011, 16:48

Who are the most suitable algae eater for nano tank?

I bought ramshorn snails, but later realise that they will compete food with shrimps, and will eat up plants if hungry. WIll they eat finish my marimo ? They will breed also if food is abundant

The next algae eater i am planning to buy is this pleco i saw 2 LFS that used together with shrimps. It look like a black mini 3-4cm pleco with small blue dots. I search and I think its call a dwarf blue dot pleco

Does it grow up big? Any factsheet of this species? Does it stay well in slight acidic water?
I think it looks nice like blue dot stingray

If i opt for blue dot pleco, i will not buy ***** otto
haha

These are other options of algae eaters for nano tank

1. Amano/Yamato
2. Otto
3. Nertina , zebra snails/horn snails
4. Malaysian trumpet snails
5. Ramshorn Snails
6. Siamese algae eater

Most snails prefer alkaline water , but some shrimp tank prefer acidic water
How do they do well? Will the shell be damaged ?

**fishyfishchan** · 24th Aug 2011, 17:27

Another option is Horned Nerite Snail.
They are excellent alage eater and will not breed in your tank.

**Ecalyte** · 24th Aug 2011, 17:50

Hello!

1) Yamato shrimps will steal your CRS food and run off with it.. eventually your CRS will find and eat when the Yamato is done with it but the visual effect is of frenzy feeding will not be there. I think Malayan shrimps are a much better alternative to battling hair algae.
2) If you don't like the look of the regular oto, then I suggest getting a zebra oto. They have the same function, slightly bigger than a regular oto but a million times prettier

3) Horned Nerite snails all the way.. the problem with these guys is that they will start laying eggs all over your tank. They're about the size of a regular pimple, and you can't remove it without harsh scraping
4) No experience with them..
5) Will breed like mad and look very ugly

Not sure if they are actually effective at eating algae..
6) These guys will hunt your CRS shrimplets... so if you're keeping any shrimps, it's a no-no

People have very mixed experiences with the Horned Nerite snails. I bought 2 from Colourful, and 2 from C328, and they're all still alive after 3 months. Others will tell you horror stories of trying to keep them alive, so I'm not able to advise you on this except to share that mine is doing well..

I believe your pleco is an L183. Based on the information I gathered from the web, they will grow to a maximum standard size of 4inches which is approximately 10 cm... not really advisable for a nano tank. Also, plecos will eat your shrimplets.. stick with the oto

**v200** · 24th Aug 2011, 21:14

Anyone has pictures of these algae eating shrimps that seem to be very good at their job? I am curious and want to get some to try.

http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ht=power+algae

**marimo** · 25th Aug 2011, 10:31

Thanks for the input

Sounds like climbing to top place is horn nerite and otto !

I read not to worry for horned nerite eggs, the eggs cant survive in fresh water
one of the least possible for snail out break. However I find them ugly ..

Zebra otto, I search for image and it looks interesting ! But however I do not see them at LFS. any clue where can i get?

**Ecalyte** · 27th Aug 2011, 16:31

Green Chapter has them! I am not sure if the JZX Boutique has them still, but I saw a couple at C328 as well..

To be safe on the availability you should go to Green Chapter. Their price slightly on the higher side (not by much at all) but they are kept in very good conditions.. and this current batch has been there for more than a month I believe.. so they are stable for sure

**marimo** · 28th Aug 2011, 01:41

I just came back from C328, I ask if they have zebra otto.. they said sold out, then I ask how much is it .. he said $16
Like WTH . serious? 10 times more than normal ottto

**Ecalyte** · 28th Aug 2011, 03:01

Haha.. yes! Green Chapter is a little bit more expensive. It's still under 2 red notes.

Wait until 29th August when they're open again hehe!

But when you see them.. you will realise they're quite worth the dough!

at least that's what i think.. hehe

**RonWill** · 29th Aug 2011, 01:14

Ecalyte, those zebra otos at GC were long sold out. I should have gotten more for breeding stock and now I'm not even sure when the next shipment will be coming in.

For those who cringe at zebras' pricing, stick to Otocinclus affinis (that's your regular otos) and don't even think of Paraotocinclus!! These cost a little under 3 red notes but that was many many moons ago.