Should I or Shouldn't I get some algae eaters?

**DIY** · Sat Dec 11, 2004, 01:59 AM

Hi All,

I've got 6 young discus in their own tank. I'm getting a small amount of algae (brown) which isn't too much of a problem.

What I want is your opinions on the benefits & drawbacks on adding an algae eater to my tank..

I'm thinking if I do add, based on previous posts in this forum I would most likely go for either some Oto's, Bristlenose or whiptail's

Wadda y'all think?

**Mattzilla** · Sat Dec 11, 2004, 02:43 AM

i have bristle nose in both my discus tanks and they are great. they keep the tank very clean and i don't have to worry about algea blooms. they are a must in my books....they are cheap as chips and never bother my discus

**kalebjarrod** · Sat Dec 11, 2004, 04:33 AM

agreed matt

i have them in all my tanks

**weird** · Sat Dec 11, 2004, 05:38 AM

Mattzilla, do they do alright at 30 degrees and highre ? What is the max temp you have had bristlenose in your tank with no problems ?

Oh, yes to continue with the question of the thread, yes I think algae eaters are great. Just avoid the big plecos cause I hear they are poo machines.

**Mattzilla** · Sat Dec 11, 2004, 06:02 AM

commong plecos will tend to eat the slim coating off your discus and stress them out. so stick with b/n or peppermint b/n...they are much better with discus.

weird... i keep my discus tanks at 29 deg and they are fine. i have has my tanks at 32 deg when medicating before and they have also been fine...but that was only for a couple of days.

i'm not even sure what temp b/n prefer... about 26 deg i think..(could be wrong though).

they even laid eggs at 29 deg not long ago but they ended up being a tasty snack for my corys...lol

**kalebjarrod** · Sat Dec 11, 2004, 06:36 AM

i had my tanks sit at 31 for about three weeks and they actually laid eggs too!

B/N are tough little guys

**Chris McMahon** · Sat Dec 11, 2004, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by kalebjarrod

i had my tanks sit at 31 for about three weeks and they actually laid eggs too!

That's pretty good.

I bought two pairs of bns (separately) over the last 3 or so months. All supposed reliable breeders. Haven't had a single new egg. Paid $50 for one pair, $60 for the other.

I put it down to the 29C temp, but your experience seems to sink that idea.

**kalebjarrod** · Sat Dec 11, 2004, 09:41 AM

yeah but did any of the fry survive NOPE

cooler tabk and i will see what happens

**chris_d** · Sat Dec 11, 2004, 10:25 AM

Bns are great with discus however the guy at my lfs says that their ideal water is aroun7- 8.0 ish mark, more alkaline. acidic water for discus is not ideal for them to breed in.

i too have a pair around 5-6cm(sdult size) nothings happening. when i bought them i had to leave them in their bags for over 3hrs to bring down their ph.

**DIY** · Sat Dec 11, 2004, 10:31 AM

Thanks guys,

sounds like BN is the popular choice.
I've seen a peppermint BN at an lfs some time ago and it looked pretty cute, but if my memory's correct it was pretty expensive.
how big do they get? and do they slow down on on algae eating as they get older?

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