Discus tank algae eater options

[talon]

My 75 gallon Discus tank's been getting algae on the glass and driftwood. I do weekly 50% water changes, use RO water with a TDS of 150, and have a Fluval FX6. Lighting's on for 8 hours with a Nicrew LED. Tankmates are 6 Cardinals and 10 Rummy Nose. What algae eaters won't mess with my Discus or their food? Tried Nerites but they're not cutting it.

[Raptor]

I've had luck with Bristlenose Plecos in my 90 gallon. They're chill with Discus and won't bother them during feeding. Mine's on a diet of algae wafers and zucchini slices. Just make sure you've got driftwood for them to rasp on. What's your substrate? Sand or gravel?

[talon]

Thanks for the tip. I've got pool filter sand. Do Bristlenoses stir it up too much? Also, how many would you recommend for a 75?

[oizeT]

Bristlenoses are solid, but they poop a ton. Gonna need to up your water changes if you add a couple. My 55's got two, and I'm doing 60% weekly to keep nitrates under 20. They're not gonna mess with your sand much, just stick to the glass and wood.

[Suntech]

Amano shrimp are another option. They are efficient algae eaters and will not disturb Discus. However, they require stable water parameters. Ensure your tank's temperature is consistently 82-84°F, and avoid copper-based medications. How often do you feed your Discus?

[Raptor]

Thanks for the tip. I've got pool filter sand. Do Bristlenoses stir it up too much? Also, how many would you recommend for a 75?

One or two max for a 75. They're not like common Plecos that bulldoze everything. Mine just kinda hover near the wood. And yeah, Amanos are great but might get eaten if your Discus are big. What's their size?

[talon]

My Discus are around 4-5 inches. Not sure if they'd go after Amanos. I feed them 3x daily, beef heart mix in the AM, flakes at noon, frozen bloodworms at night. Nitrates stay around 10-15 with current stock.

[oizeT]

At that size, Amanos might be sketchy. My Discus ignored them at first but started picking at 'em when they hit 5 inches. Bristlenoses are safer bet. Just toss in extra wafers so they don't nibble your plants.

[Raptor]

At that size, Amanos might be sketchy. My Discus ignored them at first but started picking at 'em when they hit 5 inches. Bristlenoses are safer bet. Just toss in extra wafers so they don't nibble your plants.

Yep, same experience here. Stick with Bristlenoses or maybe Otos if you want something smaller. Otos are fragile though, need a mature tank.

[Suntech]

Otocinclus catfish are another alternative. They are effective against soft algae but require a well-established tank with biofilm. Ensure your tank has been running for at least six months before introducing them. They are sensitive to water parameter fluctuations.