weelilmatt

Why?! I am just wondering what they are for.. I've heard that snails help clean stuff up?

I don't know, I am waiting to be informed about these creatures. Also what FISH "clean" the tank?

peacemaker92

Shrimp and snails can actually clean the tank a bit. They eat uneated food that are left on the bottom. Fish that can clean a tank would be algae eaters. They eat up the algae that grow on your tank.

weelilmatt

any examples of algae eating fish? any SMALL ones in particular?
Sorry for all the questions.. Is there a site that has a lot of this info in an easy to find way? lol

mrsmuffin

You can go here: http://www.fishlore.com/freshwaterfish.htm to get information on all freshwater fish. Look at catfish in particular for algae eating fish. Depending on how small you are talking you could go with cories, ottos, or a BN pleco. There is also a little information on shrimp and snails in the invertibrates section.

sirdarksol

To answer the question directly: Why Not? I have shrimp in a tank specifically because I like shrimp. Same with Malaysian Trumpet Snails. (I also have the snails because they stir the substrate).

As far as algae-eating fish, cories don't eat algae, though they can, to some extent, control its growth by eating excess food from the bottom of the tank.
Otos, on the other hand, do wonderfully at eating algae, as long as you can keep them alive (they're tender little guys).
Amano and Cherry Shrimp can help with algae as long as the tank is pretty well balanced. If there's too much light, nitrates, and phosphates, the algae will grow faster than the shrimp can deal with.

HatchetHaven

Strange you ask this, because I just read this article on my favourite invert site: http://www.planetinverts.com/why_shrimp.html. Check out that site for more invert info!

For a 5.5gal tank, there isn't really any algae eating fish that fit. Otos would fit - but since they are fragile it's best to have at least a 10gal for them.

The fishlore database doesn't have all freshwater fish in it. Most common fish are listed, but not much more.

The secret to algae control is nutrient control - you shouldn't need algae eaters if your tank is properly stocked and balanced.

sirdarksol

Hatchet's right about the smaller tank. Otos (and cories) wouldn't do well in such a small tank.

COBettaCouple

Corys are good at cleaning up debris. Otos and Bristlenose Plecos are algae cleaners. Shrimp do a bit of both.

weelilmatt

Thanks guys I love all this knowledge lol. I just log in and there it is! tons of replies so i never have to worry! thanks a lot.

napoleon wrasse queen

My friend has a bushy nose pleco. It isn't that big (max. size: 4.5 inches), but some plecos can be large.
http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-Pleco.htm

There are also other types of catfish.
http://www.fishlore.com/profiles-catfish.htm

Hope this helps!

HatchetHaven

No problems mate! Zebra nerite snails are worth looking into.

weelilmatt

Does the Cuckoo Synodontis (Synodontis multipunctatus) look good?

lilsoccakid

Cuckoo Synodontis grow 6 inches, and need a minimum tank size of 30 gallons.

stocking a 5.5 with anything but a betta can be difficult