I am only days away from setting up my new tank,and was wondering if Algae eaters,such as Plecos aid filters by helping keep the tank clean?I have years of experience with Goldfish,but not so much with Algae eaters.Does anybody know?

THEY make the tank look alot cleaner but I don't think they aid the filter

They won't benefit with a new tank very much. They would help once your tank is more aged and is growing algea. You could buy one now and feed him algea wafers. If you want an animal that will clean the bottom of your tank for now, like the uneaten pieces of food, try a snail (mystery or apple), or a dojo.

A precaution, dont buy a common pleco, there have been many horror stories dealing with those and members goldfish.

And CONRATS on your new tank!

They cant clean the tank as a filter would, they only add to the waste for the filter to take care of. They usually need their own food given like algae wafers and fresh vegies, they dont eat poop like some people think

Do not get one because you want it to keep your tank clean......that's your job! (Don't get a Common Pleco at all...they turn into giants & bother the goldies!!) There are types that don't get too big & don't bother the goldies!! Rubberlip Plecos are a good choice!

Hillstream Loachs are good at eating algae.however they like to live in groups min of five but you can get away with 3.I have them.They come under many names but it all means the same fish.Check out this link.

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/Hill...streamLoach.php

I bought mine under their name of Hong Kong Plec.I'm waiting on more coming out of QT at my LFS as they are shy and non aggressive.They wont even defend themselves if attacked.I love mine

OooOOhh thats what hong kong plecs are!

Hey Blue,How much does one of these Chinese Hillstream Loachs sell for at Pet Shops?That was a good website link you posted.

I paid £7.50 each for mine. Not sure how much they would cost in other countrys.

Blue,£7.50 is how much in American money?Thanks for your help.

Don't know what current exchange rate is but I would guess around $15 maybe more maybe less.

Thanks,I will check into it.