Detritus is the organic waste that accumulates in freshwater tanks, and it can be eaten by various animals such as detritus worms, snails, shrimp, cory cats, plecos, and gobies. These animals are known as detritivores, and they help to keep the tank clean and healthy by consuming the decomposing matter. In this article, we will explore what detritus is, why it is important, how to control it, and what are the best detritivores for your freshwater tank.
Detritus is the term used to describe any disintegrated material, waste, or debris that is present in aquariums. It can include dead or decomposing plants, animals, fish poop, leftover food, and other organic matter. Detritus is a natural part of the aquarium ecosystem, and it provides essential energy and nutrients for many organisms.
Detritus is broken down by bacteria, fungi, microorganisms, and tiny microfauna, which turn the organic matter into mulm. Mulm is a brown or black substance that contains nitrogen compounds and minerals that can be used by plants and algae. Mulm is similar to the fertile soil in nature, where organic waste turns into compost that is rich in nutrients and can revitalize the substrate that plants grow in.
Why is Detritus Important?
Detritus is important for several reasons. First, it is a source of food for many animals that feed on it, such as detritivores. These animals help to recycle the organic matter and prevent it from accumulating and causing water quality issues. Second, detritus is beneficial for planted tanks, as it adds nutrients to the substrate and the water column, which can enhance the growth and health of the plants. Third, detritus can create a more natural-looking environment for some fish and invertebrates, especially those that come from habitats with murky or muddy waters. Some fish and invertebrates may also use detritus as a hiding place or a spawning site.
How to Control Detritus?
While detritus is not harmful in moderate amounts, it can become a problem if it accumulates too much in the tank. Excessive detritus can cause the water to become cloudy, the nitrogen levels to rise, and the algae to grow out of control. To prevent these issues, it is important to control the amount of detritus in your tank. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Avoid overfeeding your fish and invertebrates, as this can lead to more waste and uneaten food in the tank. Feed them only as much as they can consume in a few minutes, and remove any leftovers with a net or a siphon.
Maintain good filtration and water circulation in your tank, as this can help to remove the suspended particles and debris from the water. Use a filter that is appropriate for the size and bioload of your tank, and clean it regularly to prevent clogging and reduced efficiency.
Perform regular water changes and gravel vacuuming, as this can help to remove the detritus from the substrate and the water column. Aim to change 25% to 50% of the water every week or two, depending on the condition of your tank. Use a gravel vacuum to siphon out the detritus from the bottom of the tank, especially in the corners and under the decorations.
Add live plants to your tank, as they can help to absorb some of the nutrients and reduce the amount of detritus. Plants can also provide oxygen, shade, and shelter for your fish and invertebrates. Choose plants that are suitable for your tank size, lighting, and water parameters, and trim them regularly to prevent overgrowth and decay.
Introduce detritivores to your tank, as they can help to consume the detritus and keep the tank clean and healthy. There are many fish and invertebrates that can act as detritivores, and we will discuss some of the best ones in the next section.
What are the Best Detritivores for Your Freshwater Tank?
There are many animals that can eat detritus in your freshwater tank, but some are more effective and suitable than others. Here are some of the best detritivores for your freshwater tank, along with their characteristics, requirements, and compatibility:
Detritus worms: These are small aquatic worms that live and breed in the substrate and the filter media, where they feed on the decomposing organic matter. They are harmless and beneficial for the tank, as they help to break down the waste and aerate the substrate. However, they can sometimes become visible and unsightly if the tank is overfed or under-maintained. To prevent this, you can reduce the feeding, increase the water changes, and add some fish or invertebrates that will prey on them, such as loaches, bettas, or assassin snails.
Snails: These are mollusks that have a shell and a muscular foot, which they use to move and attach to surfaces. They feed on detritus, algae, and plant matter, and they can help to keep the tank clean and balanced. However, some snails can reproduce rapidly and become a nuisance, especially if they eat the live plants or clog the filter. To prevent this, you can limit the food supply, remove the excess snails manually, or add some snail-eating fish or invertebrates, such as pufferfish, cichlids, or crayfish. Some of the best snails for detritus control are nerite snails, mystery snails, and Malaysian trumpet snails.
Shrimp: These are crustaceans that have a segmented body, a hard exoskeleton, and several pairs of legs and antennae. They feed on detritus, algae, and microorganisms, and they can help to scavenge the tank and add some color and activity. However, some shrimp can be sensitive to water quality and temperature fluctuations, and they can be eaten by larger or aggressive fish. To prevent this, you can provide them with a stable and clean environment, and keep them with peaceful and small fish, such as tetras, rasboras, or guppies. Some of the best shrimp for detritus control are cherry shrimp, amano shrimp, and ghost shrimp.
Cory cats: These are catfish that have a flattened body, a sucker-like mouth, and barbels around their mouth. They are peaceful and entertaining scavengers that feed on detritus, algae, and leftover food at the bottom of the tank. They can help to keep the substrate clean and prevent the buildup of waste. However, some cory cats can be sensitive to water quality and substrate type, and they can be stressed by larger or aggressive fish. To prevent this, you can provide them with a clean and well-oxygenated water, and a soft and smooth substrate, such as sand or gravel. You should also keep them in groups of at least six of the same species, and with other peaceful and small fish, such as danios, platies, or mollies. Some of the best cory cats for detritus control are panda cory, peppered cory, and albino cory.
Plecos: These are catfish that have a flattened body, a sucker-like mouth, and armored plates on their skin. They are powerful and efficient scavengers that feed on detritus, algae, and wood at the bottom and the sides of the tank. They can help to keep the tank clean and free of unwanted algae and detritus. However, some plecos can grow very large and produce a lot of waste, and they can be territorial and aggressive towards other fish. To prevent this, you can choose a pleco that is suitable for your tank size and bioload, and provide it with enough space, hiding places, and driftwood. You should also keep it with other large and robust fish, such as cichlids, barbs, or goldfish. Some of the best plecos for detritus control are bristlenose pleco, clown pleco, and rubber lip pleco.
Gobies: These are fish that have a slender body, a large mouth, and fused pelvic fins that form a suction cup. They are active and amusing scavengers that feed on detritus, algae, and microorganisms at the bottom and the sides of the tank. They can help to keep the tank clean and lively by sifting through the substrate and removing the detritus. However, some gobies can be sensitive to water quality and salinity, and they can jump out of the tank if the lid is not secured. To prevent this, you can provide them with a stable and clean water, and a lid that is well-sealed. You should also keep them with other peaceful and small fish, such as swordtails, angelfish, or discus. Some of the best gobies for detritus control are bumblebee goby, peacock gudgeon, and knight goby.
Detritus is important for the aquarium ecosystem, as it provides essential energy and nutrients for many organisms. However, detritus can also cause problems if it accumulates too much in the tank, such as cloudy water, high nitrogen levels, and algae outbreaks. To control the amount of detritus in your tank, you can follow some simple tips, such as avoiding overfeeding, maintaining good filtration and water circulation, performing regular water changes and gravel vacuuming, adding live plants, and introducing detritivores.
Detritivores are animals that eat detritus, such as detritus worms, snails, shrimp, cory cats, plecos, and gobies. These animals can help to keep the tank clean and healthy by consuming the decomposing matter. They can also add some diversity and interest to your tank, as they have different characteristics, requirements, and compatibility. By choosing the best detritivores for your freshwater tank, you can create a balanced and harmonious aquarium environment that benefits both you and your aquatic pets. As the famous marine biologist Jacques Cousteau once said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
