Top 10 Algae Eaters - Aquarium Cleaning Kit

Algae are usually one of the first problems that appear in home aquariums. It is not necessary to remove them entirely because they are a natural part of the ecosystem, but it is necessary to keep them under control so that they do not spread uncontrollably, affecting plants and fish. You may be tempted to disassemble the aquarium from scratch to eliminate them, but it is not necessary, there are solutions such as algae eaters or anti algae solutions that can help with this purpose.

The appearance of algae is always given by a unevenness in biological balance of the aquarium. If the algae reproduce much more, it means that the imbalance is becoming more evident and worrisome. The seaweed they have several types, so you have to find the most appropriate way to eliminate them according to their species and without affecting the other inhabitants of the aquarium.

CAUSES OF THE APPEARANCE OF ALGAE IN A DOMESTIC AQUARIUM

An adequate level of nutrients or light are usually the main reasons why algae appear.

LIGHTING

If the lighting in the aquarium is too high or too poor, the algae find the perfect place to grow. Whether the aquarium is exposed to direct sunlight from being near a window, or artificial light such as lamps, this situation must be kept under control. The algae do not appear directly due to the incidence of light, but due to the imbalance of CO2 that occurs in the aquarium. When there is an excess or a lack of CO2, algae appear quickly.

NUTRIENTS

Although it is necessary to feed the fish in a good way, you must bear in mind that the remains of nutrients remain in the aquarium and some are cumulative and begin to multiply over time. Many nutrients, over time they become dangerous toxic agents such as ammonia.

The remains of food or compost end up feeding the microorganisms in the algae. In addition, the nutrients end up feeding on elements such as phosphorus or nitrogen, which is why they end up affecting the biological and chemical balance of the aquarium. When the aquarium water does not have an excess of nutrients or chemical agents, it is very unlikely that the algae will reproduce uncontrollably.

TYPES OF ALGAE

GREEN ALGAE

The main reason why this type of algae appears in a home aquarium is that the inhabitants of the aquarium have an excess of food. They are easy to spot thanks to their fluffy appearance on the aquarium glass. As well they can be hosted on plant leaves as green filaments. Algae-eating fish such as blue bearded-nosed catfish or leopard plecas can be used to help remove excess green algae. The use of magnets to clean the aquarium is also recommended. If they find a filament of algae you can remove it by hand or using a cotton swab or wooden toothpick.

BLUE ALGAE (CYANOBACTERIA)

This type of algae usually appears due to poor water quality. A high content of nitrites and nitrates makes this type of algae reproduce easily and can do a lot of damage to the leaves of plants that barely make foliation. They have a mucous consistency and adhere to surfaces such as stones, plants and decorative objects.

A vacuum cleaning can be done on the aquarium glass. You should also do a constant cleaning of the filter and all its accessories because this is usually a place where these pests nest. When using an anti algae or chemical solution for cleaning, you must pay close attention to the dose used per liter of water.

ALGAE BEARD

This is a type of algae that belongs to the red algae family. Its name comes from the appearance of its fibers; It has a beard-like appearance with thin, wrinkled fibers. This is one of the hardiest varieties and settle on surfaces such as the filter. Fighting with this type of algae can be a bit complicated because its fibers are strong, but in the case of being in the filter, the current of the water flow must be changed to cut its growth lines.

In the case of a planted aquarium, special care must be taken with the rhizome and roots of the plants because they can be greatly affected by this type of algae. When the invasion of algae has been excessive, it is best to remove the plant completely, clean it manually and keep it in a quarantine aquarium to eradicate the pest from the beginning. The other objects where the algae are found should be cleaned and boiled to kill algae-producing bacteria.

ALGAE BRUSH

This species of algae also belongs to the group of red algae and is one of the worst algae that can reproduce in an aquarium. In the vast majority of cases, these algae appear due to an excess of nutrients that accumulate at the bottom of the aquarium and also due to a lack of CO2. The fibers of these algae have a very dark green or black color and must be removed as soon as the first nests of algae appear. They tend to anchor in the leaves of plants and are very difficult to remove selectively. It is best to clean the entire plant from scratch to eliminate all the pest. It is necessary to completely clean the gravel, and if it is severely affected, it is best to replace it

DIATOMATIC ALGAE

These algae are commonly known as brown algae, but it is a mistake because this is a species of seaweed. These also appear due to poor aquarium water conditions. They also appear due to a lack of light. Although home aquariums do not need excessive exposure to sunlight, they should also not be kept in places that are too dark. The appearance of this type of algae is more subtle because it involves thin layers that are observed in the glass or as small black spots on the leaves of plants. To counteract this situation, part of the water can be exchanged for soft water.

FILAMENT ALGAE

Filamentous algae enclose several types of algae, but they have a similar behavior. In most cases they are found in plants and objects in home aquariums. They spread easily and can reach up to 20 cm if not removed at the right time. They can be removed from the aquarium with a wooden toothpick so as not to come into contact with water.

CLADOPHORA ALGAE

This is a type of filamentous algae that are mostly marine species, few appear in fresh water, but they can be observed in these conditions. They look like a moss with very thin branching and look like algae cotton. In their natural habitat, they tend to adhere to branches so as not to be carried by the current, so you can see a kind of roots that help them to anchor themselves to a stable surface.

Under the microscope it can be observed how it has nuclei similar to a reticulated lace from which new leaves grow, but in between these spaces in the form of a network that houses other microorganisms that can be dangerous.

STAGHORN ALGA

The filaments of this alga are usually green or gray and have many branches, which gives it the popular name of deer antler alga. Its filaments can measure between 8 and 10 cm long and falls within the classification of rhodophyta algae that have a red coloration when the green or gray surface layer is removed.

The causes for which this alga appears are very diverse. Sometimes you can see an excess of magnesium in the water that has 3 to 4 ppm of Calcium per 1 ppm of magnesium, when this proportion rises, these algae can appear. An excess of iron also affects magnesium levels. Although a magnesium deficit is usually the main indicator and promoter of this type of algae, they also arise from an excess of oxygen in certain parts of the aquarium.

It is best to prevent the appearance of this type of algae because it can be very difficult to eradicate it completely. A good way to start killing the pest is to suspend iron and balance calcium and iron levels against magnesium.

You also have to avoid excessive ventilation to lower oxygen levels and raise CO2. When stem plants are affected, sanitation pruning is necessary cutting half of the plants in the first week and the rest in the second week. This will help the nutrient intake not drop to zero in a single moment.

If the plants have leaves that do not tend to need too frequent pruning such as anubias, grinders and cryptocorynes, what should be done is to completely remove the leaves that are already affected, but without removing more than 30% of the total leaves of plant.

GREEN DUST ALGAE

The diagnosis of this type of algae can present some complications because it is often confused with that of green dot algae. It is located in the glass of the aquarium and secretes a kind of green powder that can also have a red coloration that spreads throughout the water. If you do not act in time, it can cover all the glass.

The main appearance usually comes from an excess of phosphate or because the GH levels are too high compared to the needs of the plants or fish. It also usually appears due to a deficiency of calcium and magnesium. According to some experimental tests It has also been shown that an excess of nitrites can cause these types of problems.

This is not such an aggressive type of algae and it usually has a life cycle that ends and disappears after a while. When they begin to appear, it is observed how the crystal fills with this algae, but at the end of its cycle it can be removed without new shoots being observed.

The water cleaning cycle can be maintained with regular water changes and after about 10-15 days the algae should be completely gone. A light cloth may remain covering the space, but with a siphon it will easily detach from the water.

GREEN POINT ALGAE

If you are seeing algae in your aquarium, it is very likely that it is these algae. They are very common in home aquariums and all, at some point, have green dot algae. The diagnosis may be confused with the appearance of Gran Dust algae. The easiest and most practical way To identify them is to look at the spots on the aquarium glass. These are uniform green dots that create a kind of green blanket over the entire surface.

Excess nitrates and too much lighting are usually the main causes of this type of algae. The first layers of algae on the glass can be removed manually with a siphon or a wooden stick. After this first stage it is necessary to regain the balance of the aquarium. Normally the level of exposure to light that the plants have should be reduced and the diet of the plants and fish should be adjusted.

It is necessary to change 50% of the aquarium water progressively and use an antichloro solution. This process can be carried out 2 or 3 times a week, but if the treatment can be carried out daily, it will be much easier to eliminate the traces of nutrients in the water. After about 7 days of treatment, the first improvements can be observed. By day 14 of treatment, it should be completely eradicated. You always have to take into account the amount of algae and the dimensions of the aquarium to estimate a time of completion of the treatment.

It is important to reduce as much extra oxygen as possible in the aquarium to increase CO2 and that the algae have no food to continue growing. Adjusting the light cycle is also very important and using solutions such as Glutaraldehyde to make the process much more efficient.

Algae are a genus of different types phylogenetic groups and have a behavior similar to that of plants; they are photosynthetic and live in marine ecosystems. However, there are biological differences that separate them from plants. It has no roots, no stems, or vascular tissues and its way of reproduction is simpler compared to that of plants. Its area of ​​distribution is generated in the sea, surface waters and in water formations close to the land. Their sizes are very varied and you can find specimens of microscopic algae and others that measure up to 50 meters.

Algae have an internal composition of chlorophyll and are capable of feeding themselves through photosynthesis. The latest official classification of algae places them within the protists because they are organisms that can be unicellular, simple multicellular and eukaryotic multicellular with cell nuclei that are separated by membranes.

There are more than 10.000 species of macroalgae, but the vast majority are eukaryotes and their photosynthesis is carried out through structures with chloroplast membranes. In the case of home aquariums, the most common algae do not pose a real danger to the aquarium inhabitants.

It is important to keep in mind that algae are always present in fish water. Many times they can stay in very small places that we cannot observe and they do not grow much more due to lack of nutrients for them. As in any natural marine environment, algae are part of an aquarium.

You have to take care of the water conditions to prevent the algae from becoming a pest. Because they grow very fast, it is best to prevent excessive algae reproduction. Algae, in a similar way to plants, can adjust certain biological imbalances in the aquarium by absorbing some amounts of excess nutrients in the aquarium. On some occasions, the algae serve as complementary food for fish that take nutrients from them. They can also function as a nest for fry.

Like planted aquariums, algae are capable of absorbing light and this will allow them to convert all this energy into organic matter capable of serving as food for them and for the fish.

HOW TO PREVENT ALGAE?

Algae should not and cannot be completely eliminated, as most are not dangerous if their reproduction is controlled. An overgrowth of algae usually reveals a problem with the quality of the water or the conditions of the aquarium. The best way to prevent algae is to maintain the care that a home aquarium needs.

•         Aquarium location. An aquarium, even if it is at home, must be positioned in a suitable place. Windows are not a good place for aquariums because there is too much sun exposure and the sun's energy is the raw material for the formation of algae.
•         Quarantine for plants. On some occasions, plants can harbor small algae that cannot be seen with a cursory inspection. Whenever a new plant enters the aquarium it should be thoroughly checked and kept in a quarantine aquarium before bringing it to the community aquarium.
•         Nutrients and water changes. Excesses are never good, and in the case of aquariums, there is no exception. When the nutrients remain at the bottom of the aquarium because they have not been absorbed by the plants or eaten by the fish, they serve as food for the algae. Similarly, the water change is very important. Replacing a certain amount of water helps remove extra nutrients and organic waste from the fish. Also, the quality of the water affects the hardness and the pH level.
•         Illumination. We already know that lighting directly affects plants and algae. The amount of daylight hours is directly proportional to the needs of fish and plants. The height of the aquarium and the volume of the water must also be taken into account. The plants at the bottom of the aquarium must be able to receive the necessary light, but not excessive, to serve as food for the photosynthesis of the algae.
•         Stages in the aquarium. Normally, in the maturing stage of the aquarium or when the fish enter their adult stage, the algae are likely to get out of control. It is important to remove any visible algal blooms to prevent them from multiplying.
•         Iron excess. Iron is very important for plant growth and fish nutrition, but too much can be dangerous. When there is too much iron, it is not used by plants, but becomes food for algae. In the case of plants that make foliation out of the water, it must be borne in mind that they are only capable of absorbing iron through the rhizome, so the part of the plant that is out of the water should not be taken into consideration because it is not able to absorb iron. Otherwise, algae can absorb iron throughout your body. The fertilizers that are deposited in the substrate are much more efficient because they will be food only for the plants. The fertilizers that are deposited in the water can be used by algae.
•         Algae removers. Keep in mind that most of the solutions sold to eliminate algae are made from copper. This is a harmful mineral for plants and fish, especially invertebrates. An alternative option is Glutaraldehyde based algae killers.

WHY DOES MORE ALGAE KEEP APPEARING IN THE AQUARIUM?

It is normal that after adjusting all the aquarium levels and having the best ecosystem for the fish, it is very frustrating to continue seeing algae. It is important to keep in mind that algae reproduce very easily and spores can help a lot in this process. The spores can be carried in almost any microorganism in the aquarium. In the plants you lived, the guts and the waste of the fish, and even in the air that circulates through the water the spores that harbor the algae can be transferred.

Most spores are harmless while in an inactive state. However, it is very easy for them to reproduce, it only takes a small change in water levels for the spores to activate and reproduce, and with them, the algae. It follows from this that it is almost impossible to keep an aquarium totally free from algae.

As we mentioned before, there are more than 10.000 types of algae, so it is difficult to keep an aquarium free of them because each one has a natural habitat and particular living conditions that make it easy to reproduce. For this reason, it is best to keep some algae eaters in the aquarium to keep the algae under control. Green and brown algae are the most beneficial for this type of fish. Now we are going to talk about the top 10 algae eaters for a home aquarium.

CROSSOCHEILUS SIAMENSIS

This is one of the most famous algae eaters. It is commonly known as Eat Siamese Algae, Siamese Fox or Siamese Flying Fox. It feeds on all kinds of algae, including the red algae family.

Its body is shaped like a cylinder and its fins are transparent, with the exception of the tail fin. In this fin a black line is continued that surrounds its entire body and acquires a pointed shape like a spear. The mouth has a pair of barbels that point downwards and the eyes are located on the sides. The ventral region of the body has a silver coloration, but the dorsal part is brown because the scales have a dark outer edge that gives a two-color impression on the skin.

Originally, its natural habitat is the waters of Thailand and the Malaysian peninsula. They are usually seen on the banks of rivers in the regions of Mekong, . These types of streams have a large amount of oxygen and have a very abundant vegetation.

In its natural habitat this is a totally herbivorous species, and when they are in a home aquarium, this type of diet should be continued. They can accept live food such as Mugwort and Mosquito Larvae, but their diet should be based on algae and other plants.

Its behavior is quite energetic and its swim is fast, but it does not usually conflict with other fish. If it is a territorial fish, but not in an excessive way to attack. Copies that look similar should be avoided. This fish has a swimming bladder as a birth defect, so it cannot easily remain immobile. When it is in resting stages, it rests on its pelvic and pectoral fins, this unlike the vast majority of fish that rest on the belly.

It adapts very well to its tank mates, as long as there is enough space for everyone. Very small fish that can become their food should be avoided. You also shouldn't stay with fish like Dairy because this is your main predator in wild conditions.

Reproducing this species in captivity is really very difficult and its life expectancy at home is around 10 years. Sexual dimorphism is complicated to the naked eye, except that females are slightly larger and thicker than males.

Ideally, they should live in aquariums of about 80 liters and with abundant presence of algae to prevent them from becoming pests. Normally, this is a species that resists a wide range of water values ​​very well, but can live in aquariums with a pH of up to 8 and a hardness of 18 gh. They usually live in warm, tropical waters, so they need a high temperature.

This fish is a great option to have an aquarium planted with a lot of oxygen, but without an algae infestation. To provide a good amount of oxygen to the Crossocheilus Siamensis, you can install a diffuser pump or another component that adds an extra oxygen. These fish are good jumpers so keep the aquarium covered to prevent them from jumping out.

ZEBRA SNAIL

Neri tina Metalepsis is its scientific name, but it is also known as Zebra Snail and Tiger Snail. This is a gastropod mollusk that can live in freshwater or marine aquariums. Its care is very easy, but its wildlife conditions must be known to provide it with a good environment to live. Their diet is concentrated on algae.

It measures between 1 and 3 cm and has a round shape with an operculum. This helps it hide from predators. Its color is orange or brown with vertical black or brown stripes that come out from the base of the snail. Some species may have the lightest or darkest stripes and in some specimens the stripe has a zigzag shape.

It is native to Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, and Tanzania. In these regions they live in mangroves and lagoons near the sea coast. Like all inhabitants of the aquarium, it needs certain living conditions. The overpopulation of this type of snail must be kept under control; at most, a maximum of 2 snails per 3 liters of water should be kept.

The temperature can vary between 20ºC and 28ºC with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. They are ideal for living in planted aquariums with a lot of oxygen. There is no need to worry about algae because they are excellent algae eaters.

New aquariums are not the best for these snails. Because the algae are eaten, mature aquariums are where they will feel best. If there is not enough algae population, you can feed these snails with seaweed-based pellets. They also need to be fed calcium, but calcium should be supplemented in a quarantine aquarium for a day or night so as not to create a surplus of nutrients in the community aquarium.

In the case of a planted aquarium, this is one of the best options because they eat the algae, but they do not feed on the plants. They also tend to prefer dim lighting and are most active at night. They are ideal for community aquariums because their behavior is peaceful and calm. Sometimes they come out above the water limit, so the aquarium must be kept covered. Fish that eat mollusks should be avoided because these are their main predators.

Reproduction in captivity presents certain difficulties. On the one hand, they need a certain level of salinity, but the results of experimental tests are not conclusive and a way to reproduce them in a home aquarium is not known with certainty. Because there is no apparent sexual dimorphism, it is difficult to differentiate males from females, so it is not easy to find a pair of snails.

The eggs are 1mm in diameter and have a white color. The eggs are scattered throughout different areas of the aquarium. An aquarium of at least 20 liters is recommended for this type of mollusks.

JAPANESE CARIDINA

This is one of the very famous and valued shrimp species. They are very common in freshwater streams and are very useful in controlling the growth of filamentous algae.

Its natural habitat is the waters of the Yamato regions in Japan, but it is also found in Korea and Taiwan. The first popularizer of this species was Takashi Amano, which is why it is also known as Amano shrimp or prawn. Its morphology is similar to that of the rest of the freshwater or marine prawns, but it is distinguished by its cephalothorax with a very characteristic white stripe that crosses its body until it reaches its tail.

In its head are all the vital organs that this animal needs and it has 4 pairs of legs with which it moves. Under its skeleton are its abdomen and muscles, here there is also a kind of skirt with which its swimming works. Japónica caridina has a mostly transparent coloration, but some colors can be observed on its skin depending on the diet it receives.

The difference in sexual dimorphisms is that the females present more longitudinal and ordered spots than those of the males. The females are also larger and measure up to 6 cm, while the males grow only up to 3 cm, this is another of their main distinctions.

The feeding of these prawns requires certain special conditions. First of all, the portions should be small and large crowds of food should be avoided. A dim, low-light environment should also be provided when feeding, this to reduce the stress that these animals can suffer.

They are a peaceful species that is not aggressive in front of their tank mates and can be kept in small groups of prawns. They are shy in character and tend to be most active at night, but if they are given low lighting, you can see them swimming around the aquarium during the day.

Its diet is based on foods of plant origin, which is why it is known as an algae-eating species. The algae that make the greatest nutritional contributions to their daily diet is filamentous algae, but avoid consuming black or brush algae. They can also feed on the plants found in the aquarium. Las Riccias are a good option as a complementary food to seaweed.

They are effective in controlling filamentous algae, but care must be taken with their aquarium companions because they can eat them. Large or very aggressive fish can be a danger for these prawns, when they are in these circumstances the prawns can suffer from a lot of stress due to the environment in which they are found, so they can be eaten by their larger and more aggressive aquarium companions .

The reproduction within the aquarium does not present major inconveniences and the Japanese Caridinas reach their sexual maturity after their 5 months of life. The female should be kept in a separate aquarium because eggs can become a good source of protein for other fish. We know that the eggs begin to form when the female's belly turns dark.

Depending on the temperature of the aquarium, the eggs can hatch between the fourth and sixth week. The average life expectancy of these prawns is 3 years, but when they are in captivity they usually live only 2 years.

RAMSHORN SNAIL

These snails can move and bend their body to hide between small spaces in plants. In young snails you can see the inside of the body while they eat because their shell has a thin layer and its color is translucent. The age of these snails can be measured by the size of their shell. The older the snail ages, its shell begins to get bigger.

This species does not have great requirements regarding the size of your aquarium. From a small space of about 20 liters to copies of 40 or 60 liters. This is not a particularly elusive snail, but the aquarium should be kept covered to prevent leaks.

It is best to keep an aquarium planted for these types of snails. They are a good solution for algae because they feed mainly on a plant diet. It needs a good amount of oxygen to live well and usually lives in the darkest or murky areas of the aquarium. The indicated pH is between 7 and 7.5 with a temperature between 21 pc and 26 pc. It is also important to keep the level of nitrites and nitrates controlled because they can do a lot of damage to the health of these snails. An excess of nutrients could also turn these snails into a pest.

Like many of their shelled companions, medications or fertilizers for other inhabitants of the settlement can affect the health of the snails. Copper, which many plant fertilizers is made of, can be harmful to fish.

Ramshorn's diet is based on white, filamentous algae from the aquarium, but they can also take advantage of other fish food scraps and dead or decaying plant matter. Like many other aquarium fish, they can eat fish scales, pallets, or calcium supplements. A calcium supplement is ideal for these snails because it will strengthen their shell.

The meals should be small because these are slow animals that do not have the ability to fetch their food quickly and much of it could be wasted at the bottom of the aquarium. After 5 minutes of feeding, the snail will be satiated, so there is no need to keep dropping food into the aquarium. If you are thinking about Shrimp Caridinas Japanicas, these are not good companions for the Ramshorn snail because the latter is especially interested in eating shrimp of this species.

When the algae are at the bottom of the substrate, this snail is a good solution. A Ramshorn is capable of digging up to 2.5 cm below the substrate seeking to feed on the algae that accumulate and grow in the lower part of the aquarium glass. The strength of its shell will depend on the quantity and quality of the nutrients available to the snail. When these snails have a diet high in calcium, their shell grows strong, thick and without cracks, but when the feeding is not enough, cracks and general weakness in the quality of the shell can be observed.

PLECO BRISTELNOSE

The great fame that this fish has achieved is due to its ability to keep algae pests under control. This is one of the smallest catfish you can find and is between 3 and 5 inches tall. Its body is flat in shape and covered with bony plates. and with the growth tentacles appear like branches from its head. The tentacles of the males are larger and longer than those of the females. It has two pectoral fins and two other abdominal fins, along with a rounded mouth and long lips.

The colors of this Catfish are usually dark between black, brown, olive and gray with some light spots on its skin and the lower part of its body is more translucent than the rest. Since they are native to the waters of South America, a smooth flow of water with a lot of oxygen must be ensured. Ideally, enough vegetation space should be provided for these Catfish to rest during the day because they prefer the less lit areas of the aquarium.

A pH between 6.5 and 7.5 will be sufficient with a temperature between 20ºC and 26ºC. The bottom of the aquarium should have enough space because these fish prefer these areas and are very good at removing algae from these areas. During youth, these fish are susceptible to the pH of the waterTherefore, it is necessary to try to maintain this stable level or bring an adult specimen to the community aquarium that better supports these changes.

Their diet is based on plant species and they spend most of their time looking for algae that appear in the substrate and at the bottom of the aquarium. However, it must be borne in mind that the algae will be enough to provide all the nutrients they need. They need an average of 15% protein in their diet.

A common symptom of a catfish feeding deficit is that they begin to eat the plants in the aquarium. In general, when these fish are well nourished they will not bite the plants. The color of their skin can also be a noticeable symptom of the quality and quantity of food they are receiving. Two doses of food a day will be enough.

It is highly unlikely that Pleco Bristlenose Catfish fry or eggs will survive in a comment aquarium, it is best if spawning takes place in the common aquarium and the eggs are transferred to a private aquarium. In wild life conditions, this species breeds in the colder times of the Amazon, so the temperature of the aquarium must drop a bit for the males to prepare the nests for spawning.

Sexual dimorphism can be observed in that the sows of the males are larger, while those of the females only grow half compared to the males. Males are very territorial, so more than two should be avoided in an aquarium.

RED NEOCARIDINE

This is another very popular shrimp in home aquariums, this is due to its ease of care and maintenance. The skin of these prawns is usually red or cherry-colored, which is why it is also known as Neocaridina Red Cherry. There are several different types, but their care and needs are very similar. Prawns Red Cherry, Red Cherry Saura, Red Cherry Firm and Red Cherry Bloody Mary they are of the most common varieties.

Females are slightly longer than males, growing up to 3 cm. However, no matter what species they belong to, females will always have brighter and more vivid colors than males. While they are in their youth stage, it is very difficult to differentiate between females and males because their appearance is very similar. Over time the females develop a kind of pocket in their stomach to keep the eggs before they are fertilized by the males.

The ideal is to keep them in groups of 5 so they are more comfortable. You should also do some adaptation in the aquarium because these prawns require dimly lit places. Also places with moss so that they can rest during the hours of the day.

Like any other fish, needs a certain amount of space to maintain healthy living conditions. An aquarium for these prawns should not be inferior to those 20 liters and with an average temperature between 20 ºC and 29 ºC. The pH should be between 6 and 8 and the hardness above 5 Gh because they need these conditions for their shell to do its renewal process.

Aquarium companions should be chosen with shrimp as easy prey for larger fish. They can also suffer from a lot of stress and will hide in the darkest parts of the aquarium or among the plants to avoid being eaten. Even if the fish are not aggressive they can eat them. For example, the Guappys, which are very calm and peaceful fish, can eat red Neocaridine prawns.

Your diet is one of the best ways to keep a clean aquarium. They are excellent eaters of all types of algae, especially green algae. Also works well as detritivores because they consume whatever extra food you give to the other fish. In wild life, prawns are very flexible with their diet and eat practically everything they find, but in an aquarium they can consume vegetable matter such as algae and plants and also proteins.

It is important to bear in mind that several specimens of algae-eating prawns should be kept because these are small fish that are not capable of assimilating large amounts of food. Although they can eat food scraps from other fish, it is best not to overfeed them because this alters the chemical balance of the water.

La reproduction of this type of prawns does not offer many difficulties and after 4 months have already reached their sexual maturity. When the female's eggs have been fertilized, it can be seen how she carries them on her abdomen. The eggs will take about 20 days to hatch and at birth they will be a white color, but with time they will begin to take color.

GOBIO RAINBOW

Even though its scientific name is Stiphodon Ornatus, it is known as Ornatus goby and it belongs to the group of Stiphodones and has an adult size of up to 7 cm. They are originally from the regions of Sumatra and Indonesia. This is the type of goby that prefers to live in smooth, slow water.

When they are at home they need the aquarium water to be well oxygenated; A good filter, with a larger capacity than the aquarium has, can help provide these conditions. Seaweed is its main source of food, but it can be supplemented with foods such as zucchini or cucumber. Red flakes and worms help prepare your digestive systems to eat the densest types of algae.

The pH should be kept between 6.5 and 7.5 with a temperature of 30 ºC to 20 ºC. They are able to eat the algae from the entire aquarium, but prefer to stay in the dark areas of the aquarium. This is a very active goby and is capable of roaming the entire aquarium in search of algae.

Green algae are their main food source and will keep surfaces like rocks and plant leaves clean. Anubia, cyanobacteria, filamentous and red algae should be avoided with this type of gobies.

This is a good specimen to keep in a community aquarium because it is capable of interacting with others. He can also stay with a group of male Gobies, although one of them will take over and establish himself as the leader. It is best to keep an aquarium large enough so that each male can have his territory and avoid conflicts.

Because Stiphodon Gobies are small, elongated and slow swimming, they are very likely to become easy prey for other fish such as discus, scalar, or rivenses. Cichlids can also be a problemThey can be kept together with the other fish, but care must be taken that they are a calm species.

Fine gravel substrates are best because these fish tend to dig deep to make hiding places to sleep. They also use the rocks and plants in the aquarium to separate the territories.

Reproduction has not been achieved in captivity, because the parents need conditions of sweet water, but the hatchlings prefer saltwater parameters to grow and develop.

Its coloration can present very different shades. As its common name describes it, it usually has the rainbow colors and these can change according to the age and the domestic living conditions in which they are.

ANCISTRUS

The Ancistrus family is really very large and there are more than 10 different species, but the best known is the Ancistrus Triradiatus that comes from the waters of South America from the basins of the Orinoco River and the Lake of Valencia, that is why you need a neutral or slightly acidic pH to maintain a healthy life.

It's a small fish it grows only to 10 cm and its diet is based on plant foods. Because it is herbivorous, it is a excellent seaweed eater, although it will also accept from the food provided to the fish at the bottom of the aquarium. Although it tolerates food well for other fish, it should also be provided fresh food such as lettuce, spinach or chard in case the amount of algae is not enough to keep it well fed.

Because they are very active fish and they need a natural trunk or root so they can bite. These must be well washed and boiled to avoid poisoning. The cells you extract in this way help you improve your digestive system.

Because it is a great consumer of oxygen, it is necessary to ensure that the aquarium water has a good amount of movement. Changing the filter from one place to another is beneficial for gas exchange, which is very important for fish that have high oxygen needs.

An aquarium with a capacity of about 30 liters it is fine for an adult fish. This is a species that can live well in a community aquarium, but the space that all the inhabitants of the enclosure will have must be taken into account. They can be something territorial, but with enough space there will be no conflict with each other or with other fish. If you want to have a couple or two females and a male, you need an aquarium of about 90 liters. It is important to note that males do not interact well with each other. If you want one of these fish to control algae, you don't need more than one specimen.

The difference between the sexes can be seen when they reach adulthood. At this time some ramifications are observed in the upper part of the male's nose, simulating a set of horns. Females lack these ramifications. When the pair reproduces and the eggs are deposited in the aquarium, it is the male who will take care of their care; It will clean them and fill them with oxygen so that they develop well.

If the breeding is what interests the aquarium keeper, the fry must be born in the community aquarium, but they must spend their first weeks of life in a breeding aquarium to prevent them from being eaten by larger predators. The eggs can be siphoned into this new enclosure to prevent them from leaving the water.

When they hatch from the egg they have a food reserve for about 8 days, after this they need a powdered feed supplement or any other small and easy to digest food for the fry. Its life expectancy is 10 years.

OTOCINCLUS AFFINIS

The Otocinclus is a genus of Catfish that makes up about 19 species that are commonly called Otto's. Its natural habitat is the rivers of Argentina and Venezuela, but despite the fact that it is one of the many species native to South America, they are not found on the banks of the great Orinoco River.

Regarding its appearance, there are many patterns in terms of sizes and colors within the 19 species. The variety of Otocinclus Gold It has a golden coloration, the zebra sotonclus have black and white stripes that go from the end of the head to the tail fin, the Otto dwarf that its entire body is dark in color, but its coloration degrades to a lighter color when it reaches the tail fin.

This type of Catfish need an aquarium of about 40 liters and adult Catfish do not usually exceed 5 cm, although there are species that are only 2,5 long. Its body has a cylindrical shape with a narrow head and its mouth is very strong that it uses to latch onto the glass surface.

These are small and very calm fish to keep in a community aquarium because they try not to get in the way of other fish. They have a shy temperament and adjust easily with other larger fish and it is very common to see them swim very fast as soon as they meet other fish.

Their life expectancy in a home aquarium is 3 to 5 years, and much of their time is found at the bottom of the aquarium or on objects such as rocks and plants in the aquarium. These fish can also be seen swimming together because they are a very close-knit species.

La eating of these fish is based on seaweed and diet is herbivorous. It can also be supplemented with other foods and two daily doses will be enough to keep them well fed. Some leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach are good for them, but only a couple of times a week.

A good number of plants must be kept in the aquarium, but due to the conditions of their natural habitat they have a lot of sun exposure, they must have a lot of access to light. The aquarium needs a neutral pH and with a good gas exchange to increase oxygen levels. A temperature must also be maintained between 22ºC and 26ºC.

The reproductions of the otocinclus they present a bit of difficulties. Raising temperatures can lead to a more comfortable environment for fish and eggs because warm waters are synonymous with mating in their wildlife conditions. Once the male has fertilized the female's eggs, they will be deposited in small clusters or on secure surfaces so as not to be predated.

The fry are very strong and after a couple of days, they will go swimming. They will feed on bacteria in the water and algae and will soon be able to eat themselves.

FARLOWELLA ACCUS

This is another group of Catfish that gathers more than 37 different species. Its natural habitat is in the waters of the north of South America, on the banks of the Orinoco and Paraná rivers and these ecosystems are surrounded by a lot of vegetation, so its diet is based on plant species.

Their bodies are shaped very elongated and flat, similar to a branch. This helps them to camouflage themselves well from their main predators. If you want this Catfish to keep the algae under control, a fish will be more than enough. These are large fish that they can measure more than 10 cm, so it is necessary to take into account the amount of space that the aquarium has. Their fins are small, but they do not need to be larger to have a fast and intense swim and their tail fin is shaped like a lyre. The their skin colors are usually darks with some stripes. Males are larger and have a larger snout and their teeth poke out when they go to mate.

They need an aquarium of at least 90 liters with a pH between 6 and 7. The temperature should not go outside the range of 22 ºC and 28 ºC. These are fish that do not need excessive oxygenation, so a sponge filter will suffice. The substrate they have must be soft because most of the time they are at the bottom of the aquarium. In this place they find their main food which are algae that are born from the substrate.

In living conditions in the wild, Catfish eat algae and other varieties of plant foods. A common mistake is to believe that algae eaters do not need supplementary feedingOn the contrary, these fish need a varied diet that provides all the nutrients they need. Zucchini, cucumber and leaves can be part of the diet of these animals. Food that remains at the bottom of the aquarium can also supplement your diet.

The reproduction of these Catfish offers several difficulties because the conditions in the aquarium must be exact for these fish to recognize that it is time to mate. Special attention should be paid to the temperature because it is one of the main indicators, although the temperature should not be raised in a single moment, this should be done gradually to simulate the temperature cycles of your wildlife.

Courtship and mating usually take place at night and the male will take care of the eggs, take them to safe places and move his tail to oxygenate them. After a week the eggs should hatch, but fry are very sensitive to water conditions, so it is very likely that they will not want to feed and some will die at this stage. Green vegetables are one of the favorites of the fry.

Other articles of interest may be:
How to Eliminate Aquarium Algae - Causes and Most Effective Treatments
Caridines and Neocaridines - File and Care Aquarium Prawns

Rate this article:

In our online store you can buy Accessories to start assembling your aquarium and receive them in 24 hours in Spain.