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About Tom Lee
Expertise
Experience of keeping everything from common Goldfish through to Tatia Reticulata all the to Tetradoan Suvatti. I'm good with Catfish, Goldfish, Puffers and small shoaling fish. Plus I'm based in the UK so any British questioners stop here.

Experience
I've kept lots of different species. Livebearers, Bettas, Puffers, Catfish, Axolotals etc I've lost fish to TB, ich etc. I've thought sod this for a laugh, this is a stupid hobby but I've ploughed on and I've gained loads of experience along the way.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Fish > sucker fish / algae

Topic: Fish

Expert: Tom Lee
Date: 5/9/2008
Subject: sucker fish / algae

Question
Hello Tom,

I have several feeder fish in a 20 gallon tank. I think I've fed them too much and there are a lot of 'dung' at the bottom of the tank, and the whole tank is very 'slimy' as well. My filter is not really helping... I just wondered if there is any kind of fish that eats those 'dung'? Are those 'slimy' thing algae? I always turn on the tank light, is this the reason why the tank becomes 'slimy"? Will a cory/plec help? Please kindly let me know.

Thank you very much & have a wonderful day.

Sylvie

Answer
Hi Sylvie,

The tank is taking on a slimy appearance due to algae. Try limiting the amount of time the light is left on to 8 hours a day maximum. Also, keep the tank out of the way of direct sunlight and test the phosphate and nitrate levels.

A corydoras will help clear uneaten food at the bottom of the tank, whilst a plec (I'd recommend a Bristlenose) will clear uneaten food and keep algae levels down.

Good Luck

Tom

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