Can't keep any algae eaters alive

[fishlover49]

I have tried every kind of algae eater in my 30 gallon tank and nothing lives for more than a couple of weeks. I took a few silk plants out that looked like they were starting to fray. Would this kill the algae eaters? I just cannot figure out why they keep dying. All the other fish in the tank are fine and dandy. All my tests are good. I have three Ottos in my 20 gallon tank that I have had for almost two years. Any ideas? Thanks!

[KingFisher]

Can you post what kind of algae eaters you have tried and what your water parameters are? Also, have you tried feeding them veggies or algae wafers? Perhaps there is not enough algae in the tank for them to eat.

[angelcakes]

what are your water parameters?
what algae eaters are they?
what temp is your tank?
what filteration have you got?
and what do you feed them?

[fishlover49]

pH...7.0
Nitrates.. 12.5
Nitrites...0.05
Ammonia....0
Temp....78

My other aquarium tests exactly the same and the three Ottos in there do very well. Nice and plump and frisky. The only thing different between the two tanks are the silk plants that started falling apart. I only have plastic plants in my 20 gallon. I do feed algae wafers, but the tank they keep dying in has always had plenty of algae, so starvation is not an issue. It is very puzzling. Also, I have tried Ottos, Plecos, and Chinese algae eaters. I have had no luck trying to find SAEs in my area. And I have a Whisper power filter that is good up to a 45 gallon tank. The water in my tanks are crystal clear.

[angelcakes]

Ph...7.0
Nitrates.. 12.5
Nitrites...0.05
Ammonia....0
Temp....78

My other aquarium tests exactly the same and the three Ottos in there do very well. Nice and plump and frisky. The only thing different between the two tanks are the silk plants that started falling apart. I only have plastic plants in my 20 gallon. I do feed algae wafers, but the tank they keep dying in has always had plenty of algae, so starvation is not an issue. It is very puzzling. Also, I have tried Ottos, Plecos, and Chinese algae eaters. I have had no luck trying to find SAEs in my area.

not all plecs are algea eaters!!!
Nitrates to me seem a little high,your temp is good,
do you feed your algea eaters cucumber, zucchini or any kinds of veggies some eaters prefer meat in there diet aswell such as bloodworm,earthworms,prawns,
plastic/silk plants do fall apart after time,please state which algea eaters you are having problems with?

[fishlover49]

I am having problems with all of the algae eaters, Ottos, Plecos, and CAEs. The nitrate levels are the way they come out of our well water. The Ottos live fine with that level in my other tank.
No, I have only fed algae wafers in both tanks.

[angelcakes]

ok,your problem could be diet as most algea eaters also like there veggies,try feeding a little more of a varied diet and see how you get on,
also try adding some meats,bloodworm prawns for example,
how long do you have your plecos etc before they pass on?

[Northernguy]

You may want to think about adding some live plants to help get those nitrates down.
Was your tank properly cycled when you added the plecos?

[fishlover49]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the help.

Yes, the tank was properly cycled. I have had it running for a year.

[KingFisher]

I agree with Northernguy. Live plants help to improve water quality in the tank. There are plants that can do well with standard aquarium lighting, like Java moss and Java fern, or if you decide to upgrade your lighting, you will find there are tons of plants that would work. Fast growing stem plants are great for removing the excess nitrates etc... from the water. Elodea, or Egeria densa, works well, as do several others.