8 Best Algae Eaters for your planted tank

Different algae eaters consume different forms of algae. Here are 8 popular choices, with their pros and cons described. ​ 

1. SAE

Siamese algae eaters (Crossocheilus siamensis) are small when young, but grow to a size of over 5 inches (14 cm). When young they feed voraciously on various forms of filamentous algae, including Black Brush Algae (BBA). However, adults tend to feed on fish food instead.

2. Molly

Mollies (Poecilia sphenops) will occasionally eat filamentous algae, including BBA. However, they will peck at delicate aquarium plants and poop a lot (i.e. produce a lot of waste). After a while, similar to SAE, they may develop a preference for fish food and will only eat algae when hungry.

3. Amano/Yamato shrimp

The Amano / Yamato shrimp (Caridina japonica) is popular with planted hobbyists and is named after ADA founder and famous aquascaper Takashi Amano. They are excellent algae eaters, consuming a wide variety of algae, and are quick to devour leftover fish food and even deceased tank mates. However, I find that they do grow a little large (6cm+) and escape easily from open top tanks. They will also attack tender/unhealthy plant leaves when hungry.

4. Red Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina Shrimp (Red Cherry Shrimp (RCS) are also available in other colours) These remain much smaller than Amano Shrimp and will rarely attempt to escape from open top tanks if water parameters are favourable. However, you will need a small horde of them to make a significant impact. They breed very easily and I find they add aesthetic value to the tank. They do not have a significant effect on tough algae types such as BBA and Cladophora.

5. Farlowella Catfish

The Farlowella/Twig/Whiptail Catfish (Farlowella vittata) have an exotic appearance and grow to a length of 20cm. They are shy and like to hide, so a planted tank with areas of swamp wood will work well. They can be sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters, so avoid changing tank parameters quickly, such as making large water changes with tap water that is significantly different.

6. Oto Catfish

Oto catfish (Otocinclus affinis) are small in size and harmless to shrimp and other smaller fish, making them ideal for community tanks as long as there are no aggressive fish such as larger cichlids and angelfish. Otos thrive in groups and will form loose schools if you have more than a few. They feed on soft green algae and diatoms. They are quite delicate and should only be introduced into a well established and mature aquarium.

7. Nerite snail

Nerite snails consume spot algae, which few other algae eaters will eat. They prefer water with some alkalinity (5dKH+) and hardness (8 dGH+), so very acidic tanks (pH below 6.5) should be avoided. They will attempt to lay eggs, but raising the young to maturity requires brackish water. They will sometimes burrow below the substrate line, which can disturb delicate carpets.

8. Bristlenose Pleco

The Bristle Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) is recommended by Tom Barr as a solution to Green Dust Algae (GDA); approximately one 2 inch fish per 5 gallon tank. They will also clear up Green Spot Algae (GSA) They grow slowly but will eventually reach full size of over 5inches (14cm). You can consider buying juveniles and then selling or trading them when they reach full size. They are good at cleaning smooth surfaces such as tank walls.