trampoline98

I have a 20 gallon tank with about 14 inches of fish in it, and I want to add an algae eater. However, all of the ones that I've been able to find get to be huge!(no less that 16 inches) Are there any out there that get to be less than 6 inches?
thanks

fish_r_friend

Bristle Nose plecos get 6 in max

atmmachine816

Usually 4" but there are so many different species of the ancistrus family it's hard to tell but like fishrfriend said 6" max, usually not that big.

fish_r_friend

ottos are small also like 1.5in but i would get like 2-4 of them for a 20 gallon

atmmachine816

They perfer brown algae but are fun to watch. Bristlenoses also clean up un eaten food.

smillermom

Hey, do ottos eat brown diatoms too?

Boxermom

Yes.

poefox

Try a snail?

chickadee

For Brown Algae the Otos really shine, but as was mentioned they really do need to be kept in groups. Three or so should be able to handle that sized tank but I would not add less. They will not add much to the biological load to your tank though. A Mystery Snail is also good but not quite as good on the Brown Algae as the Green types. (although they do keep the glass clear pretty much, decor is another matter sometimes)

Rose