Feed your new pet algae eater wafers daily along with occasional supplements of fresh veggies, like sliced zucchini, kale, broccoli, and lettuce to supplement their diet – make sure it’s properly cleaned and softened before feeding.
What do algae eaters eat?
Algae eaters move along the sides and bottom of the aquarium scraping off algae with their sucker mouths. They can also feed on commercial pelleted food. Choose spirulina pellets or algae discs of the appropriate size. Feed your new pet algae eater wafers daily along with occasional supplements of fresh veggies, like sliced zucchini or kale.
How do you keep algae eaters alive in an aquarium?
Check the temperature your algae eaters require before you put them in your aquarium. Choose an aquarium heater with 5 watts of power for each gallon of water in the aquarium. A large aquarium may require a heater at either end. Wait 15 minutes after filling the tank before turning on the heater.
How often should I Feed my algae eater?
As a rule of thumb, you should feed one or two algae wafers per algae eater, on a daily basis. If you have more than one pleco or algae eater in the tank and are unsure about the feeding amount, check the manufacturer’s recommendations, often printed on the bag or container. How long can an algae eater live without food?
What do Chinese algae eaters need to survive?
But with or without plants, bright lighting is a must with Chinese algae eaters, as it encourages algae growth and allows them to graze. Being a river species, they need to have their water kept in pristine condition.
What do baby algae eaters eat?
What do algae eaters eat? Algae eaters move along the sides and bottom of the aquarium scraping off algae with their sucker mouths. They can also feed on commercial pelleted food. Choose spirulina pellets or algae discs of the appropriate size.
What can I feed algae eaters?
While algae eaters subsist mainly on algae and decaying plant matter, in order to be healthy, they require a vegetable supplement to their diet. In addition to offering algae eater food such as spirulina flakes or algae wafers, offer your algae eaters fresh, boiled, or blanched vegetables once in a while.
What do baby sucker fish eat?
Your suckerfish is an omnivore who will scrounge around the tank for food left behind by other fish and may nibble on the live plants. Give him supplemental algae wafers or shrimp pellets. Provide fresh lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, broccoli, sweet potato, breadfruit and melon.
Do I have to feed my algae eater?
The main reason why many aquarists opt for algae eaters in their tank is right there in the name – they eat algae that appears in the aquarium. However, these fish are not self-sufficient when it comes to their diet, so you'll still have to feed them daily, hence algae wafers.
Do algae eaters eat normal fish food?
What is this? Although they may not eat hair algae or beard algae, they do enjoy eating the more common types, such as the green variety and brown algae too, among others. In general, these fish make for great tank cleaners, as they are bottom feeders that will also eat uneaten fish food and all sorts of detritus too.
Can I feed cucumber to my pleco?
0:215:42#414: How to Sink Raw Cucumbers for Plecos - Tank Tip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a product by opti fish they're out of the UK. And they've come up with this really ingeniousMoreThis is a product by opti fish they're out of the UK. And they've come up with this really ingenious little tool to help you feed raw vegetables to your plecos.
How long can algae eaters live out of water?
30 hoursPlecos can live up to 30 hours outside water if they store enough oxygen in their bellies -- this is why plecos are sometimes seen gulping air at the water's surface.
Do algae eaters keep tank clean?
Algae eaters (also known as a clean up crew) are an integral part of the aquarium hobby, due to their ability to manage and help keep your tank's ecosystem balanced. And an effective algae eater won't just keep algae under control.
Why is my algae eater attacking my fish?
Evidence suggests that they attack the slime coat as they are looking for nutrients and will attach to the sides of other fish to try to feed on this. Some people believe that “Because it's got a suckermouth, it will eat algae”.
How often should I feed my pleco?
One to two times per weekWhile Plecos do eat detritus and algae, it will still need its diet supplemented. Feed your Pleco every day or every other day with Pleco-specific food. One to two times per week, feed your Pleco pieces of cucumber, zucchini, or lettuce (not iceberg).
How many algae wafers should I feed my pleco?
Offer at least one algae wafer per day. Your home aquarium will not provide enough algae to keep your pleco full. Give your pleco an algae wafer at night before you go to bed, as plecos are nocturnal and eat at nighttime.
How do you feed algae eater cucumbers?
0:1010:03How to feed your fish cucumber! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first of all you're gonna need a cucumber average size doesn't really matter oh you're gonna wantMoreSo first of all you're gonna need a cucumber average size doesn't really matter oh you're gonna want to cut up the grab your knife and cut up the thickest side to about that big.
6 Things to Know About Algae Eaters
1. Types of algae eaters: otocinclus, hi fin, bristlenose, rubber lip and plecostomus 2. Experience Level: Beginner 3. Size: They grow from 2 inche...
How Do I Set Up My Algae Eater’S Aquarium?
Set up the aquarium at least 1 day before you add any fish.Aquarium & stand 1. The minimum size of an appropriate aquarium depends on how many fish...
What Do I Put in The Aquarium?
1. If you will be using an under-gravel filter, add it first. 2. Layer about 3 inches (8 cm) of gravel on the bottom of the tank (about 1½ pounds o...
How Do I Add An Algae Eater to My Aquarium?
1. Bring your algae eater home right away. 2. Place the algae eater, still inside the bag, in the aquarium. Let the bagged fish acclimate to the ne...
What Do Algae Eaters Eat?
Algae eaters move along the sides and bottom of the aquarium scraping off algae with their sucker mouths. They can also feed on commercial pelleted...
How Can I Keep My Algae Eater Healthy?
If your algae eater displays any of these symptoms of illness or distress, talk to a PetSmart store associate or a veterinarian familiar with fish...
How often should I feed algae wafers?
It is recommended that you feed your algae wafers once a week.
How often do algae eaters need to eat?
Algae eaters need to eat every day.
How long can algae eaters go without food?
Algae eaters can go for a long time without food. They are able to survive on their own in the water, and they have a very high metabolism rate tha...
What kind of fish eats the most algae?
Plecostomus bristlenose (Bristlenose plecos) Most aquariums benefit from the inclusion of bristlenose plecos.
How often should I feed my Pleco?
Plecos eats debris and algae, but it still needs to supplement its diet. Feed your Pleco Pleco-specific food every day or every other day. Feed your Pleco cucumber, zucchini, or lettuce pieces once or twice a week (not iceberg).
Is lettuce eaten by algae eaters?
Lettuce. The addition of lettuce to the diet of many kinds of fish, not only algae eaters, is beneficial. Keep in mind, however, that certain lettuce types, such as iceberg, contain less nutrients than romaine or green leaf lettuce.
Is it possible for algae eaters to consume betta food?
Again, plecos are excellent at consuming algae, but this should not be their only source of nutrition. You may also supplement their diet with sinking algae wafers every now and again to ensure they receive adequate nourishment. The fact that bristlenose plecos are bottom dwellers is one of the reasons they make excellent tank mates for bettas.
How can I tell whether my pleco is in good health?
Poop from other fish will not be eaten by any pleco. Find out what your pleco’s food requirements are by visiting Planet Catfish. Your pleco will hunger and perish if you don’t feed it. The belly of a healthy pleco should be well rounded.
What is it that eats fish poop?
There are no freshwater fish that need excrement as part of their diet, as far as we know. Although certain fish, such as Corydoras and Plecostomus catfish, are reported to consume excrement, they still need food just like any other fish.
Does the color of algae eaters change?
Fish at fish shops will not have their original hues due to the color change. Because of the congestion in the tank and the lack of cover/hiding areas, they are extremely anxious. Once they’ve settled into a regular tank and gotten used to their surroundings, they’ll start to reveal their real colors.
How often do you feed an algae eater?
Your algae eater should be fed daily – the amount depends on the type of food you’re offering. Generally, most brands recommend that you feed twice a day the amount of food your fish can eat in 2 hours, but to be sure, check the recommendations by the manufacturer and stick to that. Occasionally, you can add a bit of fresh veggies, to provide much-needed fiber and vitamins.
What do algae eaters eat if there is no algae?
As mentioned, algae eaters need additional food to survive and thrive – keeping your tank free of algae won’t be enough to sustain them. To meet their dietary needs, you will have to offer them algae wafers or spirulina, as well as a healthy veggie content. Some fish food for algae eaters included vegetable matter, but you can also cut up some fresh veggies, such as zucchini, lettuce, or broccoli, and throw them in the tank for your algae eater to feast on every once in a while.
How many wafers should I feed my algae eater?
As your tank won’t produce enough algae to keep your fish full, you should offer algae wafers daily. As a rule of thumb, you should feed one or two algae wafers per algae eater, on a daily basis. If you have more than one pleco or algae eater in the tank and are unsure about the feeding amount, check the manufacturer’s recommendations, often printed on the bag or container.
How long can an algae eater live without food?
If your algae eater is healthy and in the adult stage of their life, they could probably survive without food for 3 to 7 days. Of course, there’s no reason for your fish to starve, even if they would be able to survive for a period of time. This could put a stress on their body and immune system, and weaken them – leaving them susceptible to diseases and health issues down the road.
What is the best food for plecos?
Here are our top picks for the best algae eater food: Hikari Algae Wafers. From one of the most popular fish food brands on the market, these Hikari algae wafers are the number-1 selling diet for plecos around the world. These wafers are high in vegetable matter and rich in stabilized vitamin C to reduce stress and build immunity.
Why is my pleco not eating?
If you have a pleco, the chances are that you’re messing up the feeding schedule – these algae eaters feed only at night, so if you’ve been feeding them during the day, it’s not a surprise that they are not eating. In other situations, it might be that the algae eater isn’t noticing the food before it dissolves (put the wafer near them or at their favorite spot to test if this is the case) or that you need to switch up the brand of food they’ve been avoiding. Of course, if your algae weather is not eating the algae that naturally occurs in the tank, it might be a dietary preference – different algae eaters eat various species of algae, for instance some will feast on hair algae and others only eat diatom algae, and so on.
How to protect algae eaters from other fish?
Provide your algae eater with plenty of places to hide in the tank – some species are nocturnal and some are very small, so they may need protection from other fish. Offer your algae eater sinking foods that will make it to the bottom of the tank before other fish can eat them – wafers are usually the best option.
Overview
- Scientific name: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri Chinese algae eaters are well-known for their ability to consume large amounts of algae as juveniles, but many people do not realize that their dietary requirements change as they age. As adults, Chinese algae eaters prefer more protein in their diet. Native to the Chao Phraya basin and rivers throughout Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, they are so…
Typical Appearance and Behavior
- Chinese algae eaters appear as light brown with a solid or dotted black strip along their body or gold in color
- They are long, slender fish with a large suction cup style mouth they use to attach to the glass, rocks and décor
Habitat
- Habitat size
Keep in an appropriately sized aquarium, which can range from 10 gallons for juvenile Chinese algae eaters to a much larger aquarium for an adult. - Building your habitat
1. Water health - Provide proper filtration to ensure optimal water quality to help maintain health. Moderate to turbulent water circulation should be provided to mimic water currents and high oxygen levels found in a Chinese algae eater’s natural habitat. Stable water quality(pH, ammonia…
Feeding
- A well-balanced Chinese algae eater diet consists of: 1. Algae and sinking algae wafers 2. Supplement with raw zucchini or cucumbers as a treat once or twice a week; raw vegetables should be anchored near the bottom of the aquarium 3. Adults will benefit from sinking pellets, frozen and freeze-dried brine and mysis shrimp and bloodworms Things to r...
Chinese Algae Eater Care
- Water care: Maintaining great water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration is important to help keep your Chinese algae eater healthy
- Avoid overcrowded conditions; they are a major cause of stress and disease
Where to Buy
- Chinese algae eaters are available for purchase at your local Petco location;availability varies by location. Please call ahead to check availability.
Supplies
Tank Mates
- May be compatible with community fish such as: 1. Platys 2. Mollies 3. Swordtails 4. Gouramis 5. Angelfish 6. Barbs 7. Danios 8. Larger tetras 9. Rainbowfish Keep only one Chinese algae eater per tank
Health
- Signs of a healthy Chinese algae eater
1. Clear eyes 2. Eats vigorously 3. Attaches to the side of the aquarium or décor or moves along the bottom of the aquarium 4. Bright, even coloring 5. Free of parasites or disease - Red flags
1. Loss of color 2. Cloudy eyes or pop-eye 3. Labored breathing 4. Frayed fins or discolored fins 5. Weight loss 6. Bloating 7. Loss of appetite 8. Erratic swimming 9. Spots or fungus on body or mouth 10. Listlessness 11. Elevated scales
FAQs
- What do algae eaters eat?As juveniles, Chinese algae eaters will primarily eat algae. As they age, they will also crave protein-based foods such as sinking pellets, frozen or freeze-dried brine shr...
- How big do Chinese algae eaters get?Chinese algae eaters can reach an adult size of 11 inches.
- What do algae eaters eat?As juveniles, Chinese algae eaters will primarily eat algae. As they age, they will also crave protein-based foods such as sinking pellets, frozen or freeze-dried brine shr...
- How big do Chinese algae eaters get?Chinese algae eaters can reach an adult size of 11 inches.
- How many Chinese algae eaters per tank?Chinese algae eaters are semi-aggressive and will fight with one another; it is best to only have one per aquarium.
- How fast do Chinese algae eaters grow?The growth rate of the Chinese algae eater will vary by individual, depending on the amount of algae and supplemental nutrition being provided.
