Molly Question

[Red Tar]

I'm planning out a small aquarium and making some decisions on which fish. I read somewhere that Mollys actually helped control algae growth. Does anyone have any infor on that?
Also, I heard that Mollys don't necessary do well with Cory's because Cory's like it a little colder with some salt and Mollys like it warmer. If the rest of the fish are basic community regulars (platty's, tetras) can I also keep the Mollys and Cory's and what temp,PH, salt levels are recommended?
Erik (Red Tar)

[oscarbartoni]

Corydoras catfish do not like any salt in their water. As for temp , some people keep them in with discus that require very warm water over 80 degrees. Yes Mollies do like to eat algae but I would not call them effecient algae eaters. If you can I would have live aquarium plants in your tank to help control algae as well as not over feeding or over crowding, and not just one or two plants but enough to give hiding places for the fish. The live plants (true aquatic plants) will compete with the algae for the nutriants that are in the water and by not over feeding or over crowding , that will help by not producing too much nutriants for the algae. Generally livebearers (like Molliess) like a high pH of 7.5 or highr whereas the tetras and other south American fish like a low pH water of 5.5 to 7.0. This is not to say that they cannot live together but they would be happier in seperate tanks with conditions that suit them.

[raptorpb1]

Mollies eat algae, but are not the greatest. They eat aquatic plants. Algae eaters would be the best.

[oscarbartoni]

Eric , the Chinese algae eater does a decient job of eating algae when young but when they get larger they can become aggressive towards their tankmates. A better selection would be the "otto catfish" which looks simular to the Chinese algae eater but stays smaller and does not get aggressive. If the tank is 20 gallons or larger then I would go for the "bushy mouth plecos" as they are better algae eaters an don't get as large as the regular plecostomus catfish.