Hi,
I currently have three tanks, one of which is a small 60ltr coldwater. It is currently home to 3 fantails and 5 white cloud minnows. would like to get algae eater, would have to be o.k with hard water and not grow too large. I have heard that cold water algae eaters die fast, is this true? do not want to get snails. tank has been running for over ten years, so is well matured.

Has anyone any suggestions???

Hi oog1111,
Just a quick question or two!

Is there a lot of water movement in your tank?

And some hiding place?

what type filter are you using?

and your PH and temp?

Mickey

plenty of hiding places, fast flowing water, but can be adjusted to slow if needed

possibly hill stream loach could go well ithe tank if there is plenty of movement as mickey has asked. They like to have a raised area to sit in the flow of the water aswel.

that sounds good. temp is at room temp, no heater have never needed one. p.H. i've never checked to be honest, but I know that my tap water is around 7.5. algae grows on two sides of glass and on some granite stones and plants.(this is all because i moved it opposite a window, but I like it better there. I have algae eaters in my trop tank and find them super efficient.) will the hillstream loach take care of the glass?

Nessa great minds think alike!

Yes i was thing of hill stream loaches some times sold as Hong Kong plecs(wrong wrong wrong). they are verity of very beautiful loaches that need movement in the water.

they have got a slightly bad rep because people have been given the wrong info.

there is plenty of choice and info out there.
and which one will suite you depends on availabilty and Your water

Mickey

great stuff guys!! thanks for the help, shall go do a bit of research and see if I will be able to find them.

Hi, Im not sure of the common name but you should try get your hands on some Beaufortia Leveretti, A small fish that can tolerate temps between 18 and 24 degrees C . Needs a strong current and Oxygen rich water. They Grow to about 10 - 12 cm.
They are also very sensitive to water quality and require at least Weekly Partial water changes and good filtration. Don't house with larger Goldfish and Especially Larger Koi as they will happily eat them. Because most of the Leveretti come from Singapore and the like they need careful quarintine proceedures and treatment for parasites before adding to the main tank, However most good fish stores will have already looked after this end of things for you. In saying that I belive all fishkeepers should have a small quarintine facility available just to be safe. The most improtant rule when buying Imported fish that can tolerate Irelands climate is never ever release into the wild.

I found out the hard way about quarantining fish. I suppose thats how most people learn that lesson. I have to say that I am now probably a bit paranoid about quarantining fish but when you wipe out a tank by introducing some form of parasite you wont forget to quarantine again in a hurry.