What to do...?

[Ellen4God]

Well, I have my betta in a 5.5g tank. I only have a sponge filter in the tank, but it's rated for a 20g if that makes a difference. lol Well, I do my water changes and such, but I'm having a hard time keeping the tank clean of algae. I've tried tank mates - ghost shrimp to be exact - and they didn't last long in Bruce's big kitchen of a tank.

So, my question? Is there a way to combat this algae? I know I could get an algae scrubber or whatever, but is another way? I've thought about mystery snails or whatnot, but I wouldn't want them to get eaten. Thoughts? Suggestions? I know I've posted a thread sort of like this before, but it was mainly about tank mates for Bruce. This is about algae problems in his tank.

[Fishalicious]

Most Betta's will ignore Oto Cat's as they hardly move (no threat to his humble abode) and are too big to eat... plus side is you already have some so you could move them over to do some cleaning :19: And also to check if it goes well to purchase some permanently for his tank...

[Ellen4God]

Hmm - I reckon I could try some. I'm just nervous about him picking on them and killing them or something. I could possibly try it in the morning and then just keep a close watch throughout the day.

[Ellen4God]

Would a better filter do better? Such as an AC or something? Not sure if that would matter - just a thought.

[xoolooxunny]

What's your water change schedule? Does any sunlight hit the tank, and what about artificial light? how much, if any. I would suggest one of these instead of the sponge filter: [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Ellen4God]

Usually about 50% every week. It's been a little less lately because of my busy schedule, but even then, it's 50% about every week and a half.

I'll look into a filter like you suggested. Not sure what I'll do...we'll see!

[jphonger]

Hi Ellen.
is the tank in a spot where it gets a lot of natural light?
I think sunlight, and overfeeding are often a cause of algae blooms.
if it is in a spot that gets alot of natural light, you could move it to a darker place and see what happens.

[Ellen4God]

Sorry - forgot to answer that question lol

It doesn't get much direct sunlight. And I have a compact fluorescent on it. I may try the oto thing - thought about doing it tonight since he'll be 'sleeping' or whatever. I'm just still concerned about him bullying them.

We'll see - I have some options available. Haven't quite decided what to do yet.

[garman]

That's one cute filter in the link a member provided. I want one for my son's beta. Perfect!

I actually like snails for the way they clean the brown algae off the top of the leaves. I know they're supposed to eat plants and people don't like them usually, but I do. I like ramhorn snails.

[Bobo the Clown Loach]

Agreed with the oto cats. You could also get some malaysian trumpet snails. They mostly come out at night and do pretty well clearing algae.

[Tolley]

yup trumpet snails wont eat your plants just algae, uneaten food e.t.c

[garman]

Oh yea, Malaysian trumpet snails are really good. I've had them and they do hide in the gravel during the day, which is good for cleaning the gravel, and they came out in the thousands at night to clean algae. As was already said, they're easier on plants too.

[Mvjnz]

My betta ignores my mystery snail..

[jbeining75]

You could get away with otos or a snail I would say. Try two or three otos in there to eat up the algae. Hopefully Bruce will be nice to them...

[Wild Turkey]

I prefer snails for this task as well. Mystery snails are generally bold and very active if you select them well from the petstore.

[Blue Ram]

You could try a dose of algae destroyer as long as no invertabrates and plants are present. It will kill those things. Oto cats are great too. Oto cats are a little difficult to care for when they are first introduced to the aquarium life for the first month or so. After that they are a hardy fish. They usually come in poor health and are starved. You should be able to provide a constant suppy of algae. Algae wafers are usually accepted. Blanched veggies are usually accepted as well Good Luck!!!