[booleys1012]

hey all,

I am thinking of the possibility of adding some fish to my nano (2.5Gal). The plant life has been thriving for over a year now with only occasional algae buildup on the glass. So far, I have red cherry shrimp and some snails lviing inside.

Anyway, I am looking to add some small fish that eat algae (ie. wont go out of it's way to eat the shrimp or shrimp offspring) that would be alright in a 2.5Gal tank... is there such a fish??

Much appreciated,
justin

 

[wrkucera]

From what I've read, mollies will eat algae but you can't feed them. If fed they become conditioned to fish food and turn from the algae. Are you familiar with otocinclus? they stay small, less than 1 1/2 inches. They are algae eaters specifically. American Flag Fish are well known to graze on algae.

 

[stepheus]

Oto, pleco seems good for algae. I wont suggest mollies or american flags since they have a potential to be a threat.

as for decorative fishes, threadfins, any kind of microrasboras, amber tetras and fishes of that size and mouth shape seems fine.

 

[The old man]

otos are the best, but be aware of plecos as some get quite big and tend to disturb their surroundings. I like the bristlenose that stays small (about 4") and eats algae better than most.

 

[Diana K]

In a 2.5 gallon tank stick with the shrimp. This tank is too small for all but the smallest fish.

 

[hoppycalif]

Endlers live bearers would make it until they do their breeding thing. But, I agree that in a tank that small you can't use any but the smallest fish.

 

[Tex Gal]

Do a google on pygmy rasboras. There are several of them and they stay very small. You can even keep them with shrimp.

 

[thespiff]

I don't see why you couldn't add 2-3 Otocinclus to a tank that size. They should do just fine in a well-established planted tank, and are fun little fish to watch. I can't imagine anything else fitting in there though. Definitely not a Pleco of any variety. Even the smallest Pleco would probably cause you grief because they would still be too large and they are all poop factories.