Not all beginner aquarists know that in addition to fish, snails, natural or artificial greenery and decorative ornaments, algae-eaters must settle in every underwater kingdom. About why the presence of these inhabitants is so necessary, we will try to tell in this article.
What are algae eaters for?
These aquarium inhabitants play a special role - to prevent the development of algae and to eliminate those types of vegetation that are not visible to our eye. Algae eater is an aquarium fish that will help you deal with excessive gardening at the stage of formation of small colonies of algae, as well as to clean up their residues after processing with special tools.
This does not mean that aquarium fish (Siamese algae eaters or some other species) are able to solve absolutely all problems with algae. In the aquarium, it is desirable to have different types of fish, snails, shrimp, as each individual species successfully fights with certain vegetation. That is why in this article we will talk about different algae eaters. This will allow you to figure out what kind of view is required for your aquarium.
Amano Shrimp
In the beginning we will talk about Amano shrimp. They got their name in honor of Takashi Amano, who did a lot of work to popularize them. Today, their official name is Caridina multidentata, although earlier experts believed that this species was called Caridina japonica.
Many aquarists are sure that Amano shrimp is a panacea against algae, but this is a fallacy. And this species of algae-eaters (like all others) has preferences for certain plants, and not all of them are to their taste. Amano's particular preference is given to filamentous algae. One important factor to consider here. The effectiveness of these aquarium cleaners is directly dependent on the size of the shrimp. The larger they are, the more coarse the threads they are able to absorb.
It is preferable to choose specimens that have reached three, and preferably four centimeters. Too large shrimp Amano instantly eats in the aquarium and cladophore. Five pieces of especially large Amano are enough for an aquarium of two hundred liters. Individuals 3-4 cm in size will be required at the rate of 1 piece per 10 liters. These shrimp will be completely useless against xenocous and other green algae. In addition, they are less effective against a black beard than the Siamese algae-eater, which we will discuss later.
Girinoheylus (Gyrinocheilus, yellow algae eater)
And now let's get to knowing the fish of this species. The first one on our list will be Gyrinocheilus. This algae-eating fish in the aquarium is the best fighter with a green bloom that appears on the walls of containers with a high level of lighting. These include all aquariums (vegetable). Consequently, these algae-eater fish are ideal for the herbalist.
Girinoheylus has a sucker-shaped mouth, for this reason it only eats algae in the form of plaque. Girinoheylus does not eat black beard, filament and other types of filamentous vegetation. They should be kept at the rate of 1 individual per 40-50 liters, and no more. The fact is that this algae-eating fish eats only algae, having exceeded the indicated planting density, you run the risk of ruining the fish due to lack of nutrition.
Girinoheylus - fish are quite active, they are kept in groups with other inhabitants. In the aquarium, their size does not exceed 6 cm.
Ototsinklus
Another algae-eating fish with a suction cup. The most common is otocinclus affinis. She is also actively struggling with green bloom and xenococus. It is inferior in size to the girinoheylus and less visible in the aquarium. Its length does not exceed 3 cm, which quite often attracts plant lovers in the aquarium.
Its effectiveness against algae is approximately equal to the previous representative of algae eaters, however, otocinclus is less hardy and very sensitive to the composition of water. Like most loricaria catfish, otocinclus is difficult to tolerate large amounts of nitrates in water (10-20 mg / l). In this case, it becomes lethargic and may die. These fish should be kept at the rate of not more than one individual per 40-50 liters of water.
Mollinesia
This is a less whimsical algae eater. Fish, the content of which, according to aquarists, is much simpler. This is explained by the fact that all varieties of filamentous algae, black beard, and plaque on the walls of the aquarium will not refuse to eat mollies (mollys).
At the same time, their effectiveness is not very high, like that of girinoheylus or Amano shrimp. Mollinesia is very often found in herbal aquariums, since they are almost always found in pet stores, which is especially important in cases of algal outbreaks.
Ancistruses
This algae-eating fish is effective against green plaque only at a young age (up to 4 cm). Usually in an aquarium it grows to a rather impressive size (15 cm). Therefore, when the choice is between them and girinohejlusy or ototsinkllyusy, usually the latter is preferred.
Meanwhile, ancistruses are very unpretentious, and they are easy to find on sale, so they are quite common in herbal aquariums.
Siamese algae eater
Finally, we come to a real aquarium cleaner. This is a Siamese seaweed fish. There are two species of very peaceful and not too large fish - Siamese aquatic eater and Siamese flying fox (Epalzeorhynchus sp). The second variety is often called false algae eater. These fish are very similar in appearance, so they are often confused.
In most cases, real Siamese algae eaters are on sale, but it happens that they are given out as their false "relatives". This is not surprising - in natural conditions they live in the same range, and the young of these fish often creates mixed schools.
How to distinguish two varieties?
You need to know that in a real algae eater, the horizontal black stripe that runs throughout the body extends to the caudal fin, while in the chanterelle it does not. This strip of the real "Siamese" runs in a zigzag fashion, its edges are uneven.
False algae eater has a mouth resembling a pink ring. A real algae eater has one pair of black mustaches, and a false algae has two (almost invisible) Inexperienced aquarists may ask a very reasonable question: “Does it matter whether the present or false representative of the species is in front of you?” The thing is that the chanterelle eats algae much worse, and most importantly - it is aggressive towards neighbors in the aquarium, therefore it is less suitable for an underwater "hostel".
Vivo
This fish is found in southeast Asia, in Sumatra, in Thailand and Indonesia. Siamese algae eater is found in fast rivers and streams with a hard bottom lined with cobblestones, gravel and sand. Prefers flooded tree roots, a large number of flooded snags.
Transparency and a low water level create favorable conditions for the intensive development of algae, which algae eat. Experts believe that this fish can migrate, moving into more muddy and deeper waters.
Siamese seaweed fish : content in the aquarium
Representatives of this species grow up to 15 cm. Their life expectancy sometimes exceeds 10 years. For contents, a volume of 100 liters or more is recommended. This is one of the most unpretentious inhabitants of the aquarium, well adapted to various conditions.
However, experts believe that it is better to keep them in aquariums that mimic the natural environment of fast rivers. It is advisable to create open swimming areas for them, to equip the aquarium with snags and large stones. Siamese algae eater loves to relax on wide leaves, so several large plants should be purchased for them.
Water parameters must comply with the following standards:
- pH 5.5-8.0;
- water temperature - + 23-26 ° C;
- hardness - 5-20 dh.
Siamese algae eaters are good jumpers, so you need to cover the aquarium or use the so-called floating plants that cover the surface of the water.
When fully fed, the Siamese do not touch the plants, but eat duckweed, as well as the roots of water hyacinth.
Siamese algae eater: compatibility with other fish
We have already said that this is a peaceful fish, and therefore it can be kept with most fish. Cohabitation with veil forms is not recommended - Siamese algae eater can bite its fins. Undesirable neighbors include a two-color labe. This is due to the fact that these two species are relatives, between which fights will necessarily occur.
In addition, the territoriality of this species manifests itself between males, therefore it is not recommended to keep two in the same aquarium. Siamese algae eater, like a fairly active fish, will not become a good neighbor to cichlids, who zealously guard their territory during spawning.
Reviews
Experienced aquarists believe that without algae eaters it is impossible to create comfortable conditions for the inhabitants of the reservoir. They create the necessary balance of vegetation, prevent its excessive development.
Representatives of algae eaters do not require complex care, but the size of the population should be strictly adhered to. Inexperienced owners should know that Siamese algae eaters love to eat moss (especially Javanese). Therefore, its use is better to refuse.