3 comments to “where can i find dwarf plecos or other small algae eaters for a 10 gallon aquarium?”

1. chino wrote:
   4. June 2010 at 8:23 am :

   you can go to your nearest petstore. You can also try those big pet companies like petco or petsmart. I know that Petco sells small Plecostomus for $4.99.

2. Tay wrote:
   4. June 2010 at 9:44 am :

   I don’t know about where since I live in Australia, but I would recommend an otocinclus catfish as an algae eater for a 10 gallon. You should keep more than one, but they will not grow any bigger than 2 inches so they won’t outgrow your aquarium. They do only eat soft algae though, so nothing like hair algae. If they get rid of all your algae then they love cooked vegies like zucchini, cucumber and peas (I made a pea kebab for mine today on a plant anchor!). They’re known for being sensitive and often in bad shape at the shop so you need to be on top of your water conditions and make sure they have lots to eat as they’re often already starving when you buy them, if you’re driving a fair way to the shop then bring some food, vegies not algae discs.

   I’ve probably scared you off them a little bit lol, but trust me they are super cute and great algae eaters.

   Be careful of ’small’ plecos as many can grow feet long eventually. Bristlenose catfish also stay relatively small (6 inches? I’m not too sure honestly) and are good algae eaters but they will probably outgrow a 10 gallon, fully grown I think they’re more suited to a 29, but I haven’t owned these myself so I don’t know too much about them.

   Also, what sort of aquarium do you have? I didn’t even think to ask! Otos are only good for a tropical freshwater.

3. Craig T wrote:
   6. June 2010 at 8:21 am :

   Dude forget the plecos, even the dwarf ones get pretty large!
   Get some Ottos! They only grow 1-2 inches and are great algae eaters, plus they are not aggressive at all! They like to swim in groups so they will be active if you get 3 or more in a 10g. I have 3 in my 20g and they do great! You could have a group of 10 in a 100g or even more, they even school is groups of this size so they wont be that “ugly” fish hanging on the glass, they will actually swim around
   I like them a lot because they are super active all the time, where as most plecos seem to only be active at night. Plus Ottos have a black stripe down the body so they are somewhat of an attractive fish.

   Common Name: Otto cat
   Scientific Name: Otocinclus affinis

   Check this site for a few pics and other info:

   Most pet stores carry them, including Petsmart and Petco and possible even Walmart.

   Good luck!