Pleco in 5.5 Gallons

[PaintingPintos]

Nerites are certainly the best snail to buy if you've got an algae problem.
1. They're absolutely adorable
2. They don't breed in freshwater
3. They're non-aggressive
4. 5 Nerites in a 10 gallon tank coated with algae will clean it up in about a week
5. Nerites are just....too....flippin....cute.....(you should see their teeny lil faces! And their eye stalks? FREAKING ADORABLE)
6. Nerites may poo a bit but not so much as to really pollute the tank
7. Nerites will nom the algae off plants but not eat the plants themselves (though sometimes they can't resist a nibble of water sprite or anacharis, but give them a break....they do so much for you, they deserve a treat ;)

AWWWWW YEEEEAAAAAH anyway just get a Nerite snail. I don't know, but I have a good feeling about them. They're just too awesome to describe. I almost love them more than bettas :O

[Cargo]

Why don't you just get an otocinclus? They only get 3" maximum.

[FishyFishy89]

Originally Posted by Cargo

Why don't you just get an otocinclus? They only get 3" maximum.

Like it was already said:
an Oto isn't going to do well in my set up.


I'd get a nerite smail or two
but right now my vehicle is in the shop and my husband is my only source of transportation. when he has time to relax, he will only stay home. there aint no way no how he is going somewhere. even if it is for only a few items at max and the destination is close to home. he aint moving his hard workn bum.

i think right now ill just keep on cleaning the algae off. and should it disappear naturally by the time i get my vehicle back, great, but if it is still there then ill try a nerite or two.

[FishyFishy89]

Poo causes ammonia correct?
Would daily(or 2-3xs weekly)vacuum/ water changes be too much stress on fish?

[thekoimaiden]

The breakdown of solid wastes is one source of ammonia. The other comes directly from the fish as excreted through the gills. It is the byproduct of the digestive process.

As far as that water change schedule, it depends on the fish. I have fish that I can change the water daily with no adverse effects, but I also make sure to do it in the least invasive way possible.

[FishyFishy89]

TYVM for the response Koi Maiden

I think I'll just stick to scrubbing off the algae until I get my care back. Especially since I just found this lil wire brush that makes removing the algae 10xs easier :)