Aquariums tend to get dirty very easily. An excess of food, direct sun, having excessive plants or algae in it can make the water cloudy. Getting a pump or a filter is a good idea, but we can also resort to fish and other animals that clean the aquarium naturally by feeding on the carrion that resides in the sand at the bottom.
On our site we offer you a list of animals that clean the aquarium and some basic notes to know if they could fit in your fish tank. You are ready? Keep reading and discover our proposals to choose the best one:
Snails
Below we suggest some species of snails that are, in general, excellent cleaners of the bottom of the aquarium. However, you should know that they are indicated for s altwater aquariums, so they will be a good option if you have s altwater fish:
Tectus niloticus
This type of snail is certainly large, reaching about 15 centimeters so it is recommended for larger aquariums. It has high nutritional requirements so it will serve as a potential cleaner. We must not have more than one specimen for every 100 litres.
Turbo lamiferus
This specimen is somewhat smaller than the previous one, even so it reaches considerable 9 centimeters It is perfect for living with fish that have a great appetite or aggressive as its shell is hard and thick which will protect it. Although it is not exactly a great devourer, it will help us to eliminate small remains from the bottom.
Nerites albicella
The snails of this species will help us to control algae in an excellent way and they are quite resistant However, we do not recommend them for uncovered aquariums since they tend to come out which can cause death. It is very compatible with aggressive fish due to its resistance and its shell will grow as it grows larger.
Astrea tectum
This species of snail is smaller, measuring about 4 centimeters, and is a species very active and voracious that will surprise us by moving regularly in search of food. It is perfect for those who own diatom algae.
Fishes
Certain types of fish are also excellent for cleaning the bottom of our aquarium, below we show you the most popular:
Corydoras
Corydoras are a very popular genus of catfish in freshwater. In general, the most popular species for cleaning the bottom is the Corydoras paleatus, although depending on the temperature of the aquarium we can choose some specimens or others.
Plecostomus
Also known as "pleco" this fish is a voracious algae eater, so it is indicated for aquariums that have an overpopulation of flora. It is very popular and well known, it is present in many aquariums around the world.
Otocinclus
It is perfect for removing green remains from the crystals of our aquarium. It is also a resistant species.
Wrasses
Although this species is known as a cleaner per se, specifically the Labroides dimidiatus is an excellent tropical reef cleaner, so it is ideal if we have an aquarium of tropical fish together with corals and anemones.
Gobies
Gobies are also excellent cleaners although their symbiotic system is more closely related to crustaceans. On the other hand, it usually removes the ectoparasites of the fish, something very beneficial.
Stars
Stars play a very important role in cleaning the oceans since they don't only feed on small particles. A group of 2,000 stars is capable of shredding a seal in a minimum of 6 hours. They are indicated for s altwater aquariums. Here are some examples:
Archaster Typicus
Its habits are nocturnal and although it appreciates being covered by soil, the truth is that it also enjoys climbing the glass or the different elements of the aquarium. It feeds on anything and also helps with this task by stirring up the sand.
Ophyuroids
This group is closely related to starfish and there are many different species. They are not recommended for beginners since they need a very precise acclimatization to survive, however they are excellent cleaners for the bottom of the s altwater aquarium.
Sea Cucumbers
Sea cucumbers, like the stars, are animals that clean the seabed and are suitable for people with some experience in aquariums. They should be incorporated when the aquarium is mature. Some types:
Colochirus robustus
It feeds mainly on zooplakton and phytoplakton although they also help us with the elimination of bacteria. It is brightly colored and really surprising.
Halathuria spinifera
Unlike the previous specimen, this one feeds on practically any remaining living matter it finds at the bottom of the aquarium. He is not at all scrupulous and resists effectively.
