I am looking for a pleco to put in my grandmothers 75 g community tank. I know I don't want a common due to the size. Are any of the smaller species (rubber nose, clown, etc) good algea eaters? She will feed them wafers as well but if I'm going to have one I would at least like one to help clean up once in a while.
Thanks

Bristle nose stay about 4-5 inches and the ones I have had love algea.

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I have an albino longfin pleco. Actually don't like most albino fish, and this one is pretty nice. I have him in a 10 gallon, about a year, and he is about 4" long. I think he is one of the pigmy species, and he loves algea. My mom has a royal(I think) and I know they can get big, but it may take a LONG time(few years) but he is doing an OK job. I doubt he would do too well with a 75. In my experience, almost all plecos get lazy once you start feeding them wafers. To keep them active, and feed them if need be, throw a slice of cucumber in the tank rubber-banded to a stone. They love that, and it doesn't train them to not eat algae. Also if you readily eat cucumber(I think green zuchinni works too) it's something very readily available.

I would advise bristlenose also. In fact you could put 2 in there. Just provide plenty of wood and caves. Males will hide more than females and they will fight over the best caves. You can get albinos, browns, calicos. There is also dwarfs that will grow to 3 inch max.

Chief if you put yours in a little bigger tank I am sure he will get to about 5 inchs. The only time they need to be in a 10 gal is when they are babies. I breed and raise several of them.

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+1 on bristlenose. They do a great job keeping algae under control and don't get too big

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When in doubt, do a water change.

Dont forget Rubberlip plecos. Also depending on her stock, a group of otos would be a good addition too if the plecos you want aren't available. They can clean up a tank in no time .

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