All Turtles Message Board

disneychris · Level 1 Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 11 Location: New Jersey

Hi All,

I was wondering if it's ok to get a catfish/algae eater/tank cleaner/whatever you want to call them to keep the tank clean in between when I clean it. I have a baby RES at this point, but obviously over time he'll get bigger...will he eat the tank cleaner fish? Also, I read somewhere that if you go away on vacation, it's recommended to put a dozen or so feeder fish in the tank depending on how long you're going to be gone... is this ok to do for a baby? We're not going away until October, so I have time to think about it, but I just like to plan in advance....

Thanks!
_________________
"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me."

-Walt Disney

STRAYKINGFISHER · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 2:35 pm Post subject:

Yes, you can put a Plecostomus (catfish) algae eater with your turtle, but even though it is small, it will get curious about the fish and try to take bites at it.

You can put about a dozen fish, or less in the tank, they will help with cleaning too, but before you leave, make sure you feed your turtle very well so that they will take some time before they start getting interested in the fish. Very Happy

Also you can put some Romaine lettuce in the tank, if the turtle doesn't eat it, the fish will (Personal experience) Very Happy

_________________

disneychris · Level 1 Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 11 Location: New Jersey

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it Smile

_________________
"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me."

-Walt Disney

STRAYKINGFISHER · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 3:52 pm Post subject:

You're welcome. Very Happy

_________________

EarthVsJazz · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 11:57 pm Post subject:

Don't forget about Water Snails !!!!

- Ed

STRAYKINGFISHER · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 11:03 am Post subject:

Mystery snails--apple snails---trapdoor snails---ramshorn snails Very Happy

_________________

turtlelover21 · Level 1 Joined: 01 Aug 2005 Posts: 5

Hey if i am going out for the weekend do i have to leave some feeder fish if so like how many?

you may realize I am fairly new at this but I don't want anything to happen to my baby!!!

EarthVsJazz · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 11:06 pm Post subject:

As long as they are feeder guppies and not the feeder goldfish (Carp) you should be fine. Depending on the tank and size of turtle I would say a dozen or so should be fine. If your woried why don't you have a friend or neighbor come feed em'. They do it for dogs why not Turtles
- Ed

hoek48 · Guest Joined: 03 Aug 2004 Posts: 3

My 4 year old RES gets along well with my alge eater. When they were both smaller the alge eater would god all over the turtles shell. The turtle almost seems to have a cross species relationship with the alge eater. It always comes up to it with its feet held out side ways and his head tucked back. Almost like the mating I have heard about in books.

eddied316 · Level 1 Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 22

i did the same thing. i figured that i wouldnt have to clean the tank as much if i got one of them. actually it was a waste of $2.17. lol . i NEVER see the fish, and he always hides in the rocks. then you gotta buy the thing foos, which u drop in the tnaks, and after a while the foos starts to absorb water, and makes a bigger mess. The algae eater doesnt do anything. andmy 2 turtles were fine with it. the first day they snapped at him a little but thena fter that the fish never came out so it wasnt a problem. that stupid fish kinda makes u want to "accidentally" flick him in his head.. im j/p i would never do that. but the fish makes more of a mes then before i got it. hope that helps.

TallysMom · Level 2 Joined: 25 Jul 2005 Posts: 60

Right, the plecos do add a lot of waste to the tank, but they are not there to diminish that, they are there to eat the algae.

There's nothing I know of that will actually deal with the waste, except super powerful filters and regular water changes and elbow grease! That's why I recommend sparse substrates -- much easier to keep clean.

I did ask my LFS turtle guy what would stand up to a 7-inch RES, and he said "a big mean Pleco" so that's what I got. Name of Snuggy (he came with the name, off Craigslist). He's not too big yet, but when he is I have a bigger tank for him to work on!