The Best Fish To Clean Ponds

One of the most natural ways to deal with green-colored algae in ponds is the use of the best fish to clean ponds. Every pond owner has at one time had to deal with slimy green colored algae growing out of control. While there may have been several solutions to help reduce them, most aren’t compelling enough—solutions ranging from the chemical methods, which may harm the animal’s life.

One biological method that has proven to be the best way of combating fish killer monsters. Apart from reducing the expensive cost of purchasing chemicals that could be eco-friendly, one proven method to decimate algae and keep ponds clean is the use of algae eaters, often considered as the best fish to clean ponds.

An algae eater wouldn’t just get rid of algae from your fish pond but will also clear up leftover food before it encourages further algae growth. However, before choosing an algae eater for your pond, several things must be considered, the most important of which is whether the algae eater is suitable for your pond or not. How then do you choose the best algae eaters for your pond?

What is an algae eater?

The term algae eater describes fish or water-dwelling invertebrates like snails and shrimps that feed on algae either exclusively or as supplements to their diets. Algae eaters are also sometimes referred to as clean-up crew.

Choosing the best fish to clean your pond

Choosing the best algae eaters for your pond requires you to consider the kinds of algae present in your pond. The kind of algae present in your pond will determine the kind of fish you put in there. If there is a specific alga, your best option would be to choose an algae eater that will eliminate that particular species. In a situation where there are two or more species of algae, then your best bet would be to choose different algae eaters to feed on them while considering their tolerance for each other.

Apart from considering the algae present in your pond, it would be best if you also considered the situation and environmental conditions of your pond. Algae eaters all have unique living conditions, which should also be considered when choosing one that is compatible with your pond.

Best fish to clean your pond

As highlighted above, algae eaters are the best fish to clean your pond. However, before choosing an algae eater for your pond, you need to consider their living conditions, their compatibility with other animals, and their ability to feed on algae well. Below are a few algae eaters and their living conditions for your perusal.

Common pleco [Hypostomus plecotomus]

The common plecos, also known as suckermouth catfish, are voracious eaters. They live underwater in search of invertebrates, crustaceans, and algae. They are also famous for their ability to control algae in ponds, and tanks, mainly filamentous algae, known to be the ugliest and most fish-stressing blooms. They are very aggressive when they reach adulthood, so it is advisable to keep one common pleco in your pond.

They are mainly solitary and do not compete with other plecos for territory. Hence if you would keep more than one pleco in your pond, each should have at least 1,000 gallons of water to claim as its territory.        

Siamese algae eater [Cossocheilus oblongus]

The Siamese algae eater is one of the most effective algae-eating fishes. The fish belongs to the family of freshwater carps and is commonly found in freshwater. It is a voracious eater and is neither picky nor fussy. It consumes anything, including green algae and red algae (which most algae-eating fish would not touch).

The Siamese algae-eating fish is peculiar to the Asia family and is commonly found there. It is also a very aggressive animal, and as such, you should be careful when selecting a fish to cohabit with it. The Siamese algae eater is known to get along quite well with the Koi fish.

They grow to about 11 feet and do not thrive in temperatures below 75 degrees Celsius. So, if your pond is situated outdoors, especially during winter, you may have to transfer them indoors.

Pond loach [Misgurnus anguillicaudatus]

Pond loach generally prefers a cooler temperature compared to other algae eaters. They are friendly fish and good companions to koi fish and goldfish. Because they are opportunistic feeders, they eat fewer algae than other algae eaters. Their resourcefulness makes them the top choice for pond owners. They mostly prefer to live and move in small groups and grow a foot long.

Chinese high-fin banded shark [Myxocyprinus asiaticus]

Chinese high-fin banded sharks are algae eaters. They are also known as freshwater batfish because of their dorsal fins. Unlike other bottom feeders, they co-exist well with other animals and mostly prefer to eat alga to other food supplements.

Although they are slow growers, they tend to grow very big and prefer to live in cool waters with plenty of hiding places. Hence, should you want to stock them, you should provide a pond that can accommodate their size.

Grass carp [Ctenopharyngodon idella]

Grass carps are grass-eating fish, and they derive their name from this quality. They are also voracious eaters and can eat up to 35-40 percent of their weight. They are the best choice for keeping underwater grass in control as they prefer to eat them. They are good breeders and overly aggressive; hence their compatibility with other fish should be considered before stocking them.

Koi and Goldfish

Generally, most pond owners keep these fish as part of their stock. Although they consume regular nutrients most of the time, these fish are also algae eaters. They have excellent living conditions and can survive during winter. They are tiny animals hence should not be placed with hefty ones. They get along well with other animals, and algae serve as an essential part of their diet during winter.

While stocking koi and goldfish, you might want to include animals that are quite compatible with them, such as the common plecos. Plecos are docile but get along well with the koi fish, despite the fact that they tend to destroy most fishes they are housed with.

Octocinclus catfish

This is one of the smallest algae-eating fishes and is a smaller version of the common pleco. They are similar in appearance to the much bigger Chinese algae eaters and are sometimes called dwarf suckermouth catfish. The Octocinclus catfish is usually about two inches long and is smaller than regular plecos.

They are peaceful animals and get along quite well with other animals. However, they should not be put together with other aggressive animals. They are mainly known for eliminating brown alga, and they eat them quite early. They can survive in small ponds and shallow areas as they prefer to use such environments as their breeding ground.

They are easy to care for, but they need large gallons of water to ensure enough alga to feed on. They are best kept in schools and can survive at a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.

Bristle-nose pleco

Also known as the black sucker mouth fish, this fish comes in varieties of color and grows up to five inches. Generally, bristle-nose plecos are peaceful animals, and as such, they cohabit well with other animals. They can handle cooler temperatures and thrive in temperatures of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They are great algae eaters and are great for small ponds.

Twig catfish

Twig fish is characterized by its long thin body and long nose. They require a lot of care and a big place to hide to eat algae well. They are best kept in pairs and thrive at a proper temperature.

Generally, they need a water temperature of between 73 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit and require supplement food to keep them happy and healthy.

Florida flagfish

The Florida flagfish is named after its resemblance to the US flag. The fish is generally peaceful, although it can be quite aggressive during spawning. They are known for eating several types of algae, including thread algae, black beard algae, and hardy ones. They thrive in temperatures of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and cool waters. They are known to be jumpy hence recommended for aquariums with lids.

Best snail algae eaters

Apart from fish, snails, often considered a nuisance in tanks and ponds, are effective algae eaters. So, before disposing of those annoying snails, you should consider their usefulness in there. Below are five top snail algae eaters that could effectively eliminate algae from your pond.

Nerite snail

Nerite snails are popularly known for their zebra-like patterned shell, and they are one of the most popular species of algae eaters in the snail family. These snails eat every type of algae, including the tough ones. They tend to grow to just over an inch, so keeping them with large fish would be best.

Mystery apple snail

These snails come in various colors, although yellow is the most common of them all. They also feed on all types of algae, especially plant algae, grass algae, and substrate algae. They can also fend for themselves and might become a target for larger fish because of their small sizes.

Malaysian trumpet snail

These snails come in long shells and a variety of colors. Malaysian trumpet snails feed on different kinds of algae and do not feed on plants. They are also easy to care for and reproduce quickly.  

Rabbit snail

These snails come in about five inches in length. They are pretty similar to Malaysian trumpet snails and are commonly found in different shades of brown and yellow. They consume decaying matters from leftovers and algae.

Other animals that can clean your pond

Apart from fish and snails, shrimps can also clean your pond by getting rid of algae. However, there are specific species of these animals that can effectively do so. Below are some species of shrimps that can help eliminate algae from your pond.

Cherry shrimp

Cherry shrimps are excellent algae eaters that are easy to care for. They are known for their bright bodies, which are sometimes used as ornaments. They are peaceful inhabitants and thrive within 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are generally small animals and, as such, should not be kept with large fish lest they become prey.

Ghost shrimp

This animal is known for its transparent body, which has a yellow-like dot in its middle that helps identify the creature. Although they are not as effective as cherry shrimp, they certainly help with algae issues. They grow up to two inches in length and are generally peaceful animals that can cohabit with aggressive ones.

Other excellent shrimp algae eaters include Bamboo shrimp, Amano shrimp, and many others.

Other tips to make your pond clean

Apart from engaging algae eaters, there are several ways to make your pond clean and keep the algae away. Following the tips provided next will help you keep your pond clean all the time.

Maintain a healthy pond population

To create a better living condition for your fish and ensure they are adequately fed and evenly developed, you should maintain a healthy pond population; your pond shouldn\’t be too crowded as that may lead to an imbalance in the pond water. Allowing your pond to become overpopulated can also hinder the growth of your fish, and they may get rejected by fish retailers. Hence, you should maintain the standard of 10 fishes per gallon.

Avoid over-feeding your fish

Giving your fish more food than they can consume can lead to excess leftovers, which decay and encourage the growth of algae. Hence, you should maintain a minimum ratio of feed per day. It would help if you also chose quality meals that will stay afloat even when there are leftovers.

Clean drops from your pond

Drops and debris from your fish become decayed over time, and when the decay mixes with your fishes’ feed, it can cause ammonia production. Ammonia is dangerous for your fishes’ health, and it distorts their growth. If you notice your fish jumping out of the waters, you probably have an ammonia spike, which should be addressed immediately. Hence you should get an ammonia kit to treat your animals and ensure proper cleanliness by fetching debris from your pond before they decay.

Keep your pond cool, especially during summer

Your fishes all have the living conditions and temperature to which they can adapt. Generally, fish cannot adapt to a temperature below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. During summer, regardless of the temperature, you should provide a cool environment for them to thrive. You can also indulge in planting to supplement their oxygen.

Engage in planting

To ensure that your fish enjoy cool weather, you should engage in planting in the shadows of your waters to supplement their oxygen. Plants produce oxygen which can be a supplement. However, it would help if you didn’t overcrowd them with it as it can cause oxygen deficiency, especially during photosynthesis.

Conclusion

Algae eaters are the best creatures to employ to clean your pond. They are eco-friendly, cheap to run, and hardly cause any damage to your livestock when adequately managed. Hazards, including accidents amongst fish and algae eaters, can be avoided if their living conditions and compatibility are ensured. Hence, with this article, you can be sure of choosing the best fish to clean your pond.