What type of algae eaters are good for a 10 gallon fish tank with 1 1/2 inch fish?

I don't want some monstrous cat fish that's going to eat my other fish. I have 3 baby fish that are 1/2 inch long. I'd like to keep them alive. They boost the happiness of the tank! So what type of algae eaters will clean the brown algae off my artificial plants and tank?

What type of algae eaters are good for a 10 gallon fish tank with 1 1/2 inch fish?
Don't get an "Asian Algae Eater" (actually called Chinese Algae Eater) since they will grow up to 8" and won't eat algae when they get older. Don't get any type of Pleco (regardless if it's the smallest type), since most of them grow to about a foot or more. There are smaller types of Plecos, such as Clown Pleco and Bristlenose Pleco, but they still get too big for a 10 gallon tank.





The best choice for an algae eater for a small tank is an Otocinclus. They only grow to about 1 1/2" in length, and do an excellent job of keeping algae in check. Read more about them here: http://www.otocinclus.com/





E-mail me for any questions!
Reply:Do not get a pleco as described below; while they do eat algae, they grow to be over a foot long, which is much too big for a 10 gallon. A chinese algae eater could work as they only grow to be 5 inches, but when they get older however, they will start to defend a territory and harass tank mates. I recommend regular tank maintenance over getting an additional fish. Buy a new bucket and plastic dish scrubber from the dollar store and dedicate this to the tank. When doing your weekly 25% water change, scrub the tank, put some of the old water in the bucket and scrub the algae off the plants. Also, to minimize algae, limit the tanks exposure to direct sunlight.
Reply:Definitely avoid plecos of any kind in a 10 gallon tank, as well as chinese algae eaters, etc - way too big.





As someone mentioned - Otos are a good algae eating fish and they stay pretty small.





I also like ghost shrimp (they are very docile, won't bother your fish, and do a fantastic job of keeping the bottom of your tank clean) - but they don't do much for algae on the sides of your tank - for that the otos would probably be best.





You can also consider Pygmy Cory Cats, which stay fairly small and are good bottom foragers as well.





If it were me though - I'd get 2 otos and 2 ghost shrimp, and then enjoy watching the tank. :)
Reply:Whatever you do don't get a Pleco (Plecostomous)! They get huge! We have one in our 125gal and he is easily a foot long. Pygmy Corey cats don't get too big and one or two would be okay in tank your size or there are a breed of algae eater called "Siamese Algae Eaters" and they do not grow too fast or get as big as the Chinese type. I think those may be the two smallest and easiest to obtain for your purpose. Good luck!
Reply:get a Placostama (sucker fish). it's a pretty docile fish. keeps to itself. in fact, some other fish might pick on it, if they are aggressive.
Reply:Pleco cat. Fairly cheap and won't disturb other fish.
Reply:The best thing for the tank would be an asian algae eater. U can find them at walmart or petsmart! Hope this helps.. :)
Reply:a chinnes alage eater