Hey guys, i'm new to the fish scene and i just wanted to know if there was a fish or other creature out there that i can put into my 10g tank that eats the fish waste. I heard there were such fish so just asking if anyone knew about them. i tried to use the search button but no help there. thanks!
Waste eating fish?
- Thread starter freshwater
- Start date
There are bottom feeders that will eat the leftover food that sinks to the bottom but I don't know of any fish that will eat waste.
You can get a clean up crew of bottom feeders that eat the leftover food if you over feed, but there really is nothing that eats fish waste. The beneficial bacteria in your biloligical filtration, once your tank has cycled will process the waste into items much safer for the fish (Ammonia (fish waste) goes to NitrIte (still bad) goes to NitrAte (much better)), but regular water changes and gravel vaccing are still a must. lots of people think there are fish that eat poop, but no such luck. Actually, it really wouldnt' help much, because those fish would in turn poop, and their waste would need to be dealt with. (presumably if they've gotten all the nutrients they can out of it, there would be none left if they re-ate it). I would say read the cycling info (if you haven't already) and come up with a good feeding regimen and a good water change/gravel vac regimen and you will be off to a good start!
Emily
Edited to clarify:
THere would be no nutrients left in the waste-eaters poop,so it would be pointless for them to re-eat it. Not that there woudl be no poop left if they reate it!
Emily
Edited to clarify:
THere would be no nutrients left in the waste-eaters poop,so it would be pointless for them to re-eat it. Not that there woudl be no poop left if they reate it!
Most ammonia in FO tanks comes directly into the water via the fish's gills. the poop should be a bit less total ammonia contribution unless the fish are overfeed.
Fishkeepers remove fish waste by cleaning filters and by vacuuming.
Fishkeepers remove fish waste by cleaning filters and by vacuuming.
Most beginners have a misconception that there is a fish that will eat other fishes' waste, and I even thought that when I started into the hobby. That's why most inexpereinced people will buy those "sucker mouth" fish (plecos, which will outgrow a small tank) and put it into their ten gallons. There is no fish that will eat other fishes' waste, but there are many fish that can act as scavangers that will clear out the food the other fishes neglect to eat. Most catfishes are good for scavanging left over food, but they won't eat fish waste. For a ten gallon tank, I would recommend a few (3 perhaps) pygmy corries.
I agree...there is no "waste eating fish" out there. Catfish eat over-fed foods and sucker fish may clean up certain types of algae, but no one fish I have ever kept has cleaned the tank. You have to take the step towards commitment to keeping your tank clean and doing you water changes religiously. No one type of fish will solve all tank problems...sorry! 
tricksterpup
It's SPRING!!! BUNNIE RABBITS
The best poop eater that you can get for your fish tank is the python.
Sorry the best way is the old fashion way. There is no miracle fish that will do the cleaning that we require. No miracle algae eater or pooper eater, regular water changes.
Sorry the best way is the old fashion way. There is no miracle fish that will do the cleaning that we require. No miracle algae eater or pooper eater, regular water changes.
Many snails and shrimp will pick through fish waste if it has any food left over in it. They will of course produce waste themselves. Not over feeding your fish is the best first step, followed by frequent water changes with a gravel vac.