Fish

Secret to a Clean Aquarium – Which Fish clean the Aquarium tank?

If you find your aquarium tank has an overgrowth of algae, it can make your aquarium unsightly. As long as the algae growth in is within limits, it should not pose any concern. But, algae growth can be a huge concern when it goes out of control. It can lower the quality of water.

If your aquarium needs natural cleaning, the best fish that clean the tank is Suckermouthed catfish like Common and Sailfin Plecos, Bristlenose and Otocinclus. In fact, of you have an algae overgrowth in your tank, it is a good idea to keep Otocinclus catfish, stiphodon gobies, and bristlenose plecos as the best clean fish for your  tank. 

Why Should You Keep Your Aquarium Clean?

Cleaning your tank is important because it helps clean everything that may be harmful for your aquarium. It would be advisable to clean the gravel. You should also use sponge to clean the insides of tank to help clean the extra algae. 

An aquarium, is, obviously, a system created by us humans. Unlike in the natural aquatic ecosystem, it does not have abiotic elements added naturally to the water. Moreover, the water ecosystem here has a very limited space. That makes it obvious to clean the aquarium and its components at regular intervals to ensure that all the living beings can survive. One of the best ways to do this is to keep cleaner fish for the tank.

What happens if you do not clean the tank? A dirty tank be home for harmful bacteria, fungus, virus and other elements. A dirty tank can also have an unbalanced pH level. The nutrients will not be at their optimum level. 

How do Aquarium Fish help Clean the Tank?

If you want to look for the best option to clean your freshwater aquarium tank, it is always advisable to look for the “in-house” methods. The cleaning crew or the cleaner fish can be something that has always been used as a concept for cleaning your aquarium tank.

There are several species of fish that are known to help you clean the tank and act as cleaner fish for your tank. These fish species eat green algae and even other food stuff. The Suckermouthed catfish like Common and Sailfin Plecos, Bristlenose and Otocinclus have widely been used for reducing the algae concentration in the tank. A few of the good options that you would find useful include Siamese Flying Fox, Mollies, Chinese Algae Eaters and Algae Eating Shrimp.

Best Aquarium Fish that Help Clean tank

Let us explore the aquarium cleaning fish based on the type of cleaning that they help in.

A. Algae Eating Fish

These fish species prevent the algae overgrowth in the tank. These fish are generally observed to be bottom-dwelling. You would also find them feeding on aquarium filter. They are the best options for improving the water quality.

  1. Plecostomus

The  Plecostomus is a species that includes suckermouth catfish and they come in different sizes. These fish generally dwell at the bottom of the tanks, and finish off any algae that they find. In fact, the Plecostomus are known as the Janitors of an aquarium because of their ability to clean up a huge algae growth really fast. it is known to be the best fish for cleaning tanks more efficiently.

Most of the Pleco fish, which are also called sucker fish, come in a grey and black speckled pattern. However, it is not uncommon to find a sucker fish with brown, yellow, and albino varieties. The Pleco is a peaceful fish and does not affect the other fish.

Avoid keeping other bottom dwelling fish in a tank that has Plecos. They will gobble up anything that they find smaller than them. 

  1. Siamese Algae eaters 

Siamese Alge eaters usually are the first option aquarium enthusiasts would prefer for cleaning up algae growth or to control it. However, if you have a planted aquarium, you will find them to be very destructive. They are found to be experts in cleaning up filamentous algae.

The Siamese Algae Eaters can eat up diatoms, green algae, and some forms of blue-green algae. They are also known for their ability to clean up the leftover food and any other organic waste. Many aquarists prefer them as the best fish for cleaning tank.

  1. Chinese Algae eates 

The Chinese Algae eaters come with a unique mouth constriction which makes it easy for them to consume different types of algae. It belongs to the sucker mouthed fish from the Gyrinochelidae family. It can be one of the best picks for the fish that help clean the tank.

The fish can get a little aggressive and can fight with its own kind. That is why it is advised to keep only one Chinese Algae eater per tank.

B. Bottom Dwelling Fish

Some bottom dwelling fish that have been much impressive in helping you keep your fish tank clean can include

  1. Corydoras catfish

The Corydora catfish has been considered to be the prominent clean-up crew for helping you keep your tank clean. It helps you in cleaning the leftover food. It can also help you clean the substrate. What makes them the best option is that it can live comfortably with any peaceful tank mates. It has been actually regarded as the best clean-up crew member of an aquarium tank.

They can scour the bottom of the tank and can actively search through the gravel. They can also work easily through the stems of the plants and find the food. They are a worthy option if you are looking for the best fish for cleaning tank.

  1. Bristlenose Plecos

They are also known as Bristlenose Catfish. They are known for keeping the tank clean. The plecostomus genus of catfish is known for scavenging and eating algae. They have been known to be the best option for finishing up food scraps and other types of organic waste from the tank.

They can efficiently and effectively eat up the algae which would otherwise cause the build up of the harmful compounds in the tank. These fish can also scrub off plants, rocks, and other tank decorations. Thus they help you in the prevention of the unwanted growth.

C. Detritus-eating fish

It is quite common to find the detritus worm infestation happening in your tank at times. It can be an indication of something that might have gone wrong with the aquarium.

  1. Malaysian trumpet snails

They belong to the burrowing type of snails and come with the cone shaped shells. They can consume practically anything that appears inside the gravel, which includes the Detritus worms as well. They have been observed to nip the bud of algae and also help clean up fish waste.

They can be a good addition to your tank, but it should be noticed that they reproduce really quickly. Keeping them in a tank may not be that easy as you run the risk of larger fish eating them up.

  1. Amano Shrimp

If you ask an expert in aquariums about the best shrimp for cleaning the tank, the most probable answer you would get is Amano Shrimp. While they have been known to be the voracious algae eaters, they have also been observed to fight the Detritus infestation in your tank.

If you have planted aquariums, you might find them clinging to the aquarium plants. They do not eat plants, but can form a coat on the leaves. In fact, they have been regarded as one of the best algae eaters.

Honorable Mentions-

A few commonly bred aquarium fishes have also been known to be offering a decent scavenging of your tank without being so specific. Guppies, Mollies, Platies, and Swordtails definitely deserve a honorable mention as the best uncommon fish that clean tank. You might not think of them when you wonder about controlling algae growth, but they have been observed to be much capable of feeding on algae.

Best Fish for Cleaning Bottom of the Tank

The best fish that can help you clean the bottom of the tank would include Catfish, Plecostomus, Rainbow Shark, and flag fish. They are the bottom eaters in any aquarium and help you clean up the bottom of the tank efficiently. The Corydoras, Platies, and Loaches can also be the best options to help you in cleaning up the bottom of the tank. 

We have also found the following varieties of fish being quite effective in cleaning the bottom of the tank.

  • Zebra Loaches
  • Yoyo Loaches
  • Bristlenose Plecostomus
  • Twig Catfish
  • Crayfish

What Fish Will Eat the Poop in Your Aquarium?

Actually, there is no fish that eats the poop of other fish. If you notice any fish eating poop, it may be because it might have mistaken the poop to be food. Even the scavenging fish such as cat fish, plecos, and shrimp do not eat the fish poop. Instead of looking for the fish that eats poop, you should check out the best fish for cleaning tank.

People- especially novice fish aquarium users believe that there is fish species that eat poop. But, in practice, there is no poop-eating fish ever. It is believed that the fish like plecos, corydoras, shrimp, and snails eat poop. But, they are just that. They are believed to eat poop, but do not do so.

You might have seen some fish feeding on fish poop, but it is by mistake and not on purpose. Next time someone asks you which eats fish poop, you know that none of them do. It is just they nibble at it thinking it to be food, and then spit it out.

A Few Key Take-Aways –

When planning for keeping a few tanks cleaning inmates, it is important to pay enough attention to the following parameters –

  • The Cleaning fish do add more aesthetic and great look to your aquarium
  • Each of the species needs specific care and food. Undertake a thorough research before you decide on any of them
  • If you have bottom feeders, make sure that you are supplementing them with the additional food when their natural algae are low.
  • Do note that you will still need to clean your tank, even when you have a cleaning crew in your tank.

The Concluding Thoughts

The best cleaners of a tank are the ones that can keep a balance between getting rid of algae and keeping  proper balance. Not only algae, but you would find several freshwater aquatic creatures helping you with the efficient cleaning of the tank. The choicest options that we have outlined above should help you in getting rid of the uneaten food, algae, and other waste in the tank.

FAQs

Do cleaner fish only eat algae?

No. Just because your algae eater feeds on algae, that does not mean they only feed on algae and do not need additional food. Alge is very low in nutrition and the fish needs to be supplemented with additional food, just like other tankmates.

How do I keep my fish tank algae free?

Do not overfeed your fish. The leftover fish food is one of the possible causes for the algal growth in the tank. Frequent water change is yet another means to help prevent the overgrowth of algae. Of course, keeping the algae eating fish in the tank should be the best option that can offer more positive results.

What are some aquarium fish that clean the tank?

Some of the aquarium fish that help you keep the tank cleaner would include catfish, loaches, siamese algae eaters, plecos, amano shrimp, and nerite snails.

 

About the author

Timmappa Kamat

Timmappa Kamat is a pet lover and a dedicated writer specializing in the captivating world of pets. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to DreamyMammals. He grew up surrounded by pets since his childhood and this made him develop a connection with animals. This has sparked a lifelong curiosity for understanding and communicating with pets.
Writing style of Timmappa Kamat is characterised by a warm and friendly tone, making complex pet-related topics accessible to readers of all backgrounds. He loves sharing the animal behaviour with a persoanl touch. He creates articles that resonate with pet owners, thanks to their relatable and informative nature.

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About Author

Timmappa Kamat

Timmappa Kamat is a pet lover and a dedicated writer specializing in the captivating world of pets. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to DreamyMammals. He grew up surrounded by pets since his childhood and this made him develop a connection with animals. This has sparked a lifelong curiosity for understanding and communicating with pets.
Writing style of Timmappa Kamat is characterised by a warm and friendly tone, making complex pet-related topics accessible to readers of all backgrounds. He loves sharing the animal behaviour with a persoanl touch. He creates articles that resonate with pet owners, thanks to their relatable and informative nature.