The cleanest fish for a fish tank are those that can help keep the water quality high by eating algae, leftover food, or waste. Some examples of such fish are plecos, corydoras, otocinclus, and shrimp. These fish are also known as scavengers, bottom feeders, or algae eaters, and they can make your fish tank look more lively and colorful.
However, not all fish that can clean your tank are suitable for every aquarium. You need to consider factors such as the size, temperament, compatibility, and diet of the fish before adding them to your tank. In this article, we will explore some of the best options for clean fish for a fish tank, and how to care for them properly.
Plecos are a type of catfish that have a sucker-like mouth that they use to scrape algae off rocks, plants, and glass. They can grow very large, up to 24 inches in some species, so they need a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places. Plecos are generally peaceful and can coexist with most other fish, but they may become territorial or aggressive if they feel threatened or crowded. Plecos are omnivorous and will eat algae, vegetables, and meaty foods, but they should not be overfed as they can produce a lot of waste.
Corydoras
Corydoras are another type of catfish that are smaller and more social than plecos. They usually stay at the bottom of the tank and sift through the substrate for food particles, detritus, and worms. They are very active and playful, and they do best in groups of at least six of their own kind. Corydoras are peaceful and can get along with most other fish, but they may be harassed by larger or more aggressive fish. Corydoras are omnivorous and will eat flakes, pellets, frozen, or live foods, but they should be fed at night when they are more active.
Otocinclus are small and slender fish that are excellent algae eaters. They can clean the surfaces of plants, wood, and glass without damaging them. They are very shy and timid, and they need a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places. They also need a mature tank with stable water parameters, as they are sensitive to changes in temperature, pH, and ammonia. Otocinclus are peaceful and can live with most other fish, but they should be kept in groups of at least three to feel more secure. Otocinclus are herbivorous and will eat algae, vegetables, and algae wafers, but they may starve if there is not enough algae in the tank.
Shrimp
Shrimp are not fish, but they are great additions to a fish tank as they can help keep it clean and add some color and diversity. Shrimp are scavengers and will eat anything they can find, including algae, plant matter, dead fish, and snails. They are very small and vulnerable, so they need a tank with plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood to hide from predators. Shrimp are peaceful and can coexist with most fish, but they may be eaten by larger or more aggressive fish. Shrimp are omnivorous and will eat flakes, pellets, vegetables, and live foods, but they should be fed sparingly as they can breed quickly and overpopulate the tank.
Conclusion
The cleanest fish for a fish tank are those that can help maintain the water quality by eating algae, leftover food, or waste. However, you need to choose the fish that are compatible with your tank size, water parameters, and other fish. Some of the best options for clean fish for a fish tank are plecos, corydoras, otocinclus, and shrimp, as they can provide both cleaning and aesthetic benefits. However, you should not rely on these fish to do all the work, and you still need to perform regular water changes, filter maintenance, and gravel vacuuming to keep your tank healthy and clean.
