Algae Eating Fish

Saltwater Cleanup Crew: Banish Algae, Keep Your Tank Pristine

Visit Petco to learn about cleanup crews and how they can help your aquarium health.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

Chinese Algae Eater Care Guide: Setup, Diet, & Thriving Tank Mates

Learn how to care for Chinese Algae Eaters, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.

Updated on April 9th, 2026

Freshwater Semi-Aggressive Fish: Top Secrets for a Thriving Tank

Learn how to care for semi-aggressive fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.

Updated on April 9th, 2026

Freshwater Community Fish: Care, Setup & Compatibility Guide

Learn how to care for freshwater community fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.

Updated on April 9th, 2026

Aquarium Algae Guide: Identify Types & How to Get Rid of It Safely

Do you have questions about algae in your aquarium? Petco has the answers! Learn about the types, causes and treatment options for aquarium algae.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

Can algae eaters live with green spotted puffers in brackish water?

Algae eating fish will not do well in brackish water. They will eventually succumb to the high salinity. Your best option would be brackish water snails such as nerites like the Zebra or Olive snails.

My cichlid tank has algae, bugs, and sick fish. What's wrong?

Those could be copepods. They are typically harmless and difficult to completely eradicate. On the good side, they are a sign of a healthy tank and are useful in eating decaying matter in the aquarium. The brown algae can be due to insufficient lighting or lighting periods. You can wipe down the glass and plants, perform a partial water change and increase lighting. It can take weeks to month to resolve. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Confirm stable water chemistry and quality. Make sure the water temperature is correct as well. Too warm or too cold can cause stress. Look the Jack Dempsey over for signs of injury or infection. Ich, bacterial infection or fungal infection can cause the fish too twitch or shiver. Plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt or Epsom salt) dissolved at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water is a great general tonic that can reduce stress, improve gill function, treat minor infection and aid in any recover

Why are my fish dying with pink and green algae in their tank?

Check the water chemistry using a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform partial water changes to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Rinse the filter media in tank water, not tap water, and replace it. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. To limit algae growth, maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular water changes. If possible, turn up filter flow to keep water moving. If this stresses the fish though, do not do it. Do not overfeed and remove any uneaten food promptly. Limit lighting to 8 hours daily and closely monitor water temperature as well. All these can promote algae overgrowth.

Why is my 10-gallon fish tank full of algae, and how do I fix it?

Your tank may be overstocked which will contribute to excessive algae growth. Other causes include poor water quality, overfeeding, too much light and slow water current. Consider removing some fish to another tank or getting a larger tank. If you choose the latter, it will need to be properly cycled before you move fish. A general guideline is one inch of fish per gallon of water. Use the adult size of any fish you plan on keeping when estimating tank requirements. Put the lights on a timer. A photoperiod of 10-12 hours on and the remainder off should suffice. Increase filter flow if you can. Standing or slow moving water will promote algae growth. For now, you can use an algae scrubber to clean glass and tank furniture. Perform partial water changes and rinse filter media. Use only aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Use tank water, not tap water, to rinse filter media to preserve beneficial bacteria in the sponge.

Is an algae eater safe with my Betta? What's the best tank temperature?

Bettas do best in water temperature between 78 F and 80 F. An algae eater should be okay, but it depends on your individual Betta. Some don't mind bottom dwelling tank mates. Watch for signature of aggression and remove the algae eater if necessary.