Good algae eater for small tank

**Kriblover** · 12-04-2011, 10:25 PM

I was wondering what would be a good algae eater for a couple 5 gallons tanks. I don't have them yet but should get them soon. I would like to have guppies and fry in them. I don't really want snails though. I've heard that ottos would be good. Thanks!

**ldoerr** · 12-05-2011, 12:44 AM

Ottos would be good but are schooling fish. If it were me I would just go with a snail for each tank. I personally love mystery snails, they have so much personality and are fun to watch. They also each have their own personailties.

**imma24** · 12-05-2011, 02:10 AM

+1 to above - everything I've read about ottos is that they need other ones to be happy - not enough space in a 5gal to do that. I also wonder how many guppies/fry you are planning to have in tanks that size. Third, I'm always wondering why people assume they will have algae in their tanks that they need something to eat it.

**ldoerr** · 12-05-2011, 02:16 AM

I have not had algae in any of my tanks for many many many months. When I had it I just wiped it off and was done in less than a minute. No need for an algae eater. In a tank that size you really do not have room for one. The only reason why I mentioned snails is that I personally enjoy them in my tanks. They have wonderful personalitys and are allways doing something to make me laugh. I had one that would crawl onto my bubbler and go flying around the tank with the bubbles, only to do it again and again.

Now this makes me want to go and get alot of new sails for my tank.

**Kriblover** · 12-06-2011, 12:08 AM

Yeah. You guys are right. I read some more on them and they need bigger tanks than a 5. I will probably just get a snail or shrimp or something. Thanks!