Algae Control In 5g Tank

[gman339]

I set up a second freshwater tank (5g) to keep a pea puffer. Before I ever got the puffer I was having algae problems. From doing some research, I found that ottos were supposedly compatible with pea puffers. I put three of them in and they had the tank looking great after several days. When I first introduced the pea puffer it seemed to do fine with the ottos. Recently I had to move the ottos to my main tank though as the puffer started nipping at them relentlessly. I am now looking for other options to control the algae. How well will snails do and what types are small enough for this size tank? I know the puffer will most likely eat them over time and I'll have to restock. I'm ok with that.

[ekfishlover2011]

Apple snails do an excellent job, and so do nerites. I think nerite snails have harder shells. Also my nerites at least are less than half the size of apple, so actually, Nerite snails. Tiger nerites are prettiest.

[Fisharefriends27]

Shouldn't you find the real reason of algae and solve instead of covering it up? How much light is there? How long is it on for? Is the tank near a window?Do you know what type of algae it is?

[ekfishlover2011]

Finding out the algae type in my experience can take months, because nobody else seems to know. So ive always just let my algae crew take care of it. Three snails and a pleco for me. :)

[goddessecouture]

My fry tank was being overrun with algae, and my main tank was developing a snail (pond snail) problem. I solved both by transferring the pond snails to the fry tank, which is now almost entirely algae free. IF the puffer doesn't snack on the little guys TOO quickly, just a few plants with some hitchhikers could solve your problem.