![]() As mentioned in a previous article about mosquito control, a single adult plecostomus can eat a huge amount of string algae per 1,000 gallons of water, though this does depend on the species of pleco and how much other other food they’re being given. Q: Will they Eat Algae in Ponds? – Yes, readily.Īs a pond owner, a pleco can quickly become your best friend, particularly if you live in a temperate region where algae is more likely to thrive. Making use of an automatic feeder can be helpful in these situations to carefully monitor dosage and frequency.ġ) Common Pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) Common plecos are bottom feeders that will graze heavily on algae. Plus, fewer supplemental feedings for your fish means that they are more likely to feed on any algae that is present. Any uneaten food will add nutrients to the water, further encouraging algal growth. Although no pond fish will likely be able to fully control a rapid algae bloom (more on this later), they’re a great natural method for reducing it’s growth alongside more traditional means.īefore we get to the best algae eaters, it should be noted that when feeding your fish, make sure that you are not feeding them any more than they can eat within a five minute span. Utilizing various pond fish, like the ones discussed below, is an environmentally friendly, simple way to ensure that algae populations are kept at a balanced, sustainable level. If allowed to grow out of control, however, algae can kill everything in your pond as it uses up all of the nutrients and dissolved oxygen content. In fact, when properly controlled, having some green algae (not the blue-green kind) in your garden pond is actually considered healthy and necessary for aquatic ecosystems as they will photosynthesize, produce oxygen, and provide a natural food source for many fish, insects and wildlife species. The presence of algae in your pond doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Take care when selecting the proper tank size, decorations, and tank mates to ensure a harmonious environment.Which Pond Fish Eat Algae in Garden Ponds? (Best Algae Eater Species) Although algae is not a primary food for many pond fish, most species will still consume small amounts when available. Closing Thoughtsīottom-dwelling fish bring activity and beautiful color to the lower levels of your tank. Pair blue neon gobies with other small, peaceful species to create a pleasing display. These fish can live as a single specimen or as a group however, males may squabble for dominance. They will not snack on your aquarium plants. Their adult length between 1.2 and 1.4 inches (3 to 3.6 cm) means a manageable tank size.īlue neon gobies feed mostly on algae and biofilm, so make sure the tank is mature and cycled before you introduce them. These fish are native to fast-moving streams and need a decent water flow in a home aquarium. This smaller fish has a bright blue color that makes it the centerpiece of your tank. The following are some of our top choices for bottom-dwelling additions to your tank. Research online or contact local fish stores to determine whether the species you select needs more of its own kind to display active behaviors. Pair them with fish species having similar temperaments. For nocturnal species, feed them after the lights are out.įinally, algae eaters need a robust layer of mature algae, so add objects such as live plants and driftwood that can encourage algae growth. Likewise, spot feeding or clipping foods near the tank floor can help. Sinking pellets, wafers, or tablets are a good solution, just make sure they are appropriately sized. Greedy middle to top dwellers can quickly grab all the food as it floats down, leaving little for their bottom-dwelling friends. In a community tank, make sure that your bottom feeders are well fed. Some have sensory adaptations, such as whisker-like structures, to aid in their search.Īlthough they constantly scour the tank, each will need supplemented food to round out their diet. Feedingīottom-dwelling species like to sift through the substrate for uneaten food. Current, bubblers, under gravel filtration systems, or a canister filter can help keep the water from becoming depleted. Water ConditionsĮnsure that the bottom of the water column is well oxygenated. Color, grain size, and even the amount you lay down can vary depending on the species.īecause some species are shy and others are nocturnal, make sure there are plenty of hiding spaces and keep the lighting dim. Bottom feeders spend a good portion of their time, if not all of it, on the bottom of the tank.Īs such, consider the species’ habits when selecting a substrate.
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