The Best Aquarium Clean-Up Crews

Maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to managing algae growth. While algae are a natural part of any aquatic ecosystem, excessive algae can lead to unsightly tanks and unhealthy water conditions for your fish. One of the most effective ways to control algae in your aquarium is by adding a "clean-up crew"—a group of fish and invertebrates specifically chosen to help manage algae and waste.

We will explore the best animals that make up an efficient aquarium clean-up crew, including different types of algae-eating fish, snails, and shrimp, as well as the important roles they play in keeping your tank clean.

An aquarium clean-up crew is a group of aquatic animals that help maintain the cleanliness of the tank by feeding on algae, uneaten food, and other organic waste. These animals can be fish, snails, shrimp, or even certain types of crabs, all of which work together to control algae growth and reduce debris buildup, creating a healthier environment for your fish.

When setting up your clean-up crew, algae-eating fish are often the first choice for many aquarists. These fish are not only efficient at controlling algae, but they also bring unique behaviors and appearances to your aquarium. It's important to choose th

The Bristlenose Plecostomus (commonly known as Bristlenose Pleco) is a fantastic addition to any freshwater aquarium clean-up crew. These small, hardy fish are known for their ability to eat various types of algae, including green spot algae and brown algae, making them perfect for keeping the glass and decorations in your tank clean. Unlike common plecos, which can grow quite large, Bristlenose Plecos stay relatively small (12-15 cm), making them suitable for smaller tanks.

What they do: Bristlenose Plecos graze on algae that grow on aquarium surfaces, such as the glass, rocks, and decorations. They are also effective at eating algae off driftwood.

The Otocinclus Catfish, or "Otos," are small, peaceful, algae-eating fish that thrive in community tanks. They prefer to eat soft algae, such as diatoms (brown algae) and green algae, making them perfect for tanks prone to these issues. Otos are known for their gentle nature and ability to cohabit with other peaceful fish.

What they do: Otos continuously graze on soft algae, keeping plants, glass, and other surfaces clean. They also help maintain a balance in the tank by preventing algae from taking over.

The Siamese Algae Eater is one of the most effective algae eaters in the hobby. These fish are highly active and can grow up to 15 cm, making them a good choice for larger tanks. Siamese Algae Eaters are particularly good at controlling the growth of black beard algae (BBA), a stubborn type of algae that many other fish won't touch.

What they do: Siamese Algae Eaters feed on a wide range of algae, including black beard algae, hair algae, and green algae, helping to keep the tank clean and free of hard-to-manage growths.

While often kept as ornamental fish, Mollies are also efficient algae eaters. They nibble on soft algae, especially on plants and tank decorations, making them a great option for smaller tanks or beginner setups. Mollies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young, so you may want to control their population in the tank.

What they do: Mollies eat soft algae, particularly those found on plants and tank surfaces, helping to keep the tank environment clean.

Invertebrates, including snails and shrimp, play an essential role in a clean-up crew by targeting algae and waste that might be missed by fish. They are especially useful for getting into tight spaces, such as crevices between rocks or plant leaves, to remove algae and other debris. Invertebrates are generally peaceful and can coexist well with most fish species, making them an excellent addition to your tank.

Let's take a look at some of the most effective algae-eating invertebrates you can include in your clean-up crew.

Nerite Snails are some of the best algae-eating snails available for freshwater aquariums. They come in a variety of patterns and colors, adding both beauty and functionality to your tank. Nerite Snails are small, easy to care for, and will not breed in freshwater, preventing population explosions. They are especially good at cleaning algae from glass and hard surfaces.

What they do: Nerite Snails specialize in eating different types of algae, including green spot algae and soft film algae, keeping tank surfaces clean without harming plants.

Amano Shrimp are well-known for their effectiveness in controlling algae in freshwater tanks. These small, transparent shrimp are excellent scavengers, feeding on both algae and detritus, making them a great choice for keeping your tank clean. They are particularly good at controlling string algae and hair algae.

What they do: Amano Shrimp graze on algae and organic matter, keeping plants, driftwood, and tank surfaces clean. They are also great for eating uneaten food that can cause waste buildup.

Though smaller than Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp are another excellent addition to your clean-up crew. They are easy to care for, reproduce quickly, and are effective at controlling small amounts of algae, particularly soft algae on plants and decorations.

What they do: Cherry Shrimp eat soft algae and biofilm, helping to keep your tank clean and free of debris.

Mystery Snails are larger snails that not only eat algae but also clean up leftover food and detritus. Their attractive appearance and easy care make them a popular choice for freshwater tanks.

What they do: Mystery Snails graze on algae found on glass, plants, and tank decorations. They also help by cleaning up uneaten food and other organic waste.

When building a clean-up crew, it’s essential to consider the size of your tank, the types of algae present, and the compatibility of the species. For example, if you have a small tank, adding a few Nerite Snails and Otocinclus Catfish may be enough to manage the algae. In larger tanks, a combination of Bristlenose Plecos, Amano Shrimp, and Siamese Algae Eaters can help keep the tank clean while preventing algae from taking over.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that while a clean-up crew can be highly effective in managing algae, they are not a substitute for proper tank maintenance. Regular water changes, appropriate lighting, and good filtration are key to preventing algae overgrowth in the first place.

While many animals are marketed as helpful in maintaining a clean tank, there are several species that are often mistaken for being efficient members of a clean-up crew but don’t actually perform well in this role. It’s important to know which creatures may not be suitable for algae control or tank maintenance to avoid disappointment.

1. Common Plecostomus (Pleco)

While the Common Plecostomus is sometimes advertised as a good algae eater, it can grow up to 60 cm (24 inches) and often becomes less interested in algae as it matures. Additionally, common plecos produce a large amount of waste, which can actually contribute to the cleanliness issues in a tank.

2. Goldfish

Goldfish are sometimes included in tanks with the expectation that they will eat algae or help clean the tank, but this is not accurate. While they may occasionally nibble on algae, goldfish are not effective algae eaters. In fact, they tend to contribute significantly to the bioload due to their high waste output, requiring frequent tank maintenance.

3. Clown Loaches

Though Clown Loaches are popular and loved for their quirky personalities, they are not suitable for cleaning duties. They do not eat algae and primarily feed on snails, worms, and small crustaceans. While they are excellent for controlling certain pest populations, they do not contribute to keeping the tank clean of algae or debris.

4. Tetras

Tetras, like Neon Tetras or Cardinal Tetras, are sometimes thought to help with tank maintenance, but they are not algae eaters or effective cleaners. They are ornamental fish that add color and beauty to the tank but do not assist in keeping algae under control.

5. Guppies

Guppies are often mistaken for clean-up crew members due to their omnivorous nature, but they do not contribute significantly to algae control or waste management. They primarily eat commercial fish food, and their presence adds to the bioload, which requires regular tank maintenance.