Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello. Just a newb here - been trying to find information on a natural way to keep my system a bit cleaner. just FYI I have 3 55 gal barrels in series. Some algae started to grow during the fish-less cycle, so I painted the sides of the barrels black to limit light. I also am floating some spare raft bits on the surface, and growing some water lettuce to keep light out of one barrel I don't have fish in.

I had 3 plecos, one in each tank, but I think the stress of the new-ish system and maybe temp fluctuations may have done them in.

Well, if they are indeed dead, I'd like a backup. I think snails probably do a better job, but I would be worried about them eating my plants and clogging up things in general.

what solutions have members come up with to clean the sides of the tanks? will tilapia eat the algae?

I wouldn't add snails although you may wind up with some anyway. I can't think of any other fish to use but maybe someone else can suggest one. Pleco's get pretty large or I'd suggest just using them outdoors in the summer until the water temp gets below 60 and bringing them in to a nice warmer tank during the rest of the year.

I leave plecos in my system all year, down into the low 50's. I did lose one, but three more still doing well. Yes, tilapia will eat algae, very effectively, but more so in warmer temps.

I've seen fresh water shrimps used in planted aquariums, as well as snails. If your location is warm enough, it might be worth looking into.

. That's right about the temp I lost mine