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Scavenger stocking ideas
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 7:22 pm
by starwee
Looking for some cool scavengers to add to my 55 gallon community tank. Got Corys already, but wanna mix it up. What's your go-to cleanup crew that's not just snails?
Re: Scavenger stocking ideas
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 8:12 pm
by artistix
Yo, starwee, have you checked out Bamboo Shrimp? They're wild looking and great at filtering particles. Just make sure your flow isn't too strong, they like it chill.
Re: Scavenger stocking ideas
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:07 pm
by marston
Bamboo Shrimp are solid, but they need supplemental feeding if your tank's too clean. I'd also recommend Amano Shrimp. They're hardy and tear through algae like nothing else.
Re: Scavenger stocking ideas
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:34 pm
by jazmint
artistix wrote: ↑Thu Jul 10, 2025 8:12 pm
Yo, starwee, have you checked out Bamboo Shrimp? They're wild looking and great at filtering particles. Just make sure your flow isn't too strong, they like it chill.
Seconding Bamboo Shrimp! They're like little underwater fans. Just watch out for aggressive tankmates, they're pretty peaceful.
Re: Scavenger stocking ideas
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 10:29 pm
by Marinix
If you're open to something different, consider Nerite Snails. I know you said no snails, but they're exceptional algae eaters and won't overpopulate. Otherwise, Otocinclus Catfish are great for soft algae, but they need a mature tank.
Re: Scavenger stocking ideas
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 11:06 pm
by otter9
My Otos died fast in a new tank. Maybe wait if yours isn't established.
Re: Scavenger stocking ideas
Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2025 12:04 am
by larosa
Marinix wrote: ↑Thu Jul 10, 2025 10:29 pm
If you're open to something different, consider Nerite Snails. I know you said no snails, but they're exceptional algae eaters and won't overpopulate. Otherwise, Otocinclus Catfish are great for soft algae, but they need a mature tank.
Nerites are awesome, but their eggs can be a pain on hardscape. If that's a dealbreaker, try Malaysian Trumpet Snails. They burrow and keep substrate clean.
Re: Scavenger stocking ideas
Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2025 12:18 am
by FinLove
For a 55 gallon, you could add a group of Hillstream Loaches. They need high flow and cool temps, but they're stunning and eat biofilm like crazy. Just make sure your setup matches their needs.
Re: Scavenger stocking ideas
Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2025 12:53 am
by silentfox
Hillstreams are neat, but they're picky. If you're not ready to tweak your tank, stick with Amanos or Corys. Maybe add a few more Corydoras species for variety?
Re: Scavenger stocking ideas
Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2025 1:37 am
by starwee
Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Gonna research Bamboo Shrimp and Hillstream Loaches. My tank's pretty stable, so might give the loaches a shot.