Keeping your aquarium clean doesn't have to be a hassle! Nature already provides you with the perfect little helpers: tank cleaner fish and shrimp. These species not only add beauty and movement to your aquascape, but they also help control algae, uneaten food, and waste—naturally and efficiently.
Whether you're new to fishkeeping or looking for a low-maintenance clean-up crew, here are some of the best easy-to-care-for aquarium cleaners available at Micro Aquatic Shop.
A. Best Beginner-Friendly Cleaner Fish
1. Otocinclus Catfish (Otos)
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Job: Algae cleaner
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Size: 2–4 cm
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Tank Size: 40L+
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Care Level: Easy
These tiny catfish are algae-eating champions! Otos love grazing on soft algae on glass, plants, and rocks. Keep them in small groups for better activity and social behavior.
👉 Pro tip: Always ensure there's enough algae or supplement their diet with algae wafers.
2. Corydoras Catfish
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Job: Bottom cleaner (uneaten food, detritus)
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Size: 4–6 cm
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Tank Size: 60L+
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Temperament: Very peaceful
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Care Level: Very easy
Corys are gentle scavengers that clean the bottom of your tank without bothering other fish. They're perfect for community tanks and get along with shrimp!
✅ Great options: Panda Cory, Bronze Cory, Albino Cory
3. Bristlenose Pleco
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Job: Algae eater
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Size: 10–15 cm
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Tank Size: 80L+
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Temperament: Docile
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Care Level: Moderate (due to size)
Smaller than common plecos, Bristlenose Plecos are efficient algae grazers and safe for planted tanks. Just make sure to give them driftwood and hiding places.
4. Siamese Algae Eater
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Job: Algae remover (especially black beard algae)
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Size: 10–15 cm
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Tank Size: 100L+
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Temperament: Semi-active, peaceful
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Care Level: Easy
A top pick for stubborn algae like BBA (black beard algae), Siamese Algae Eaters are hardworking cleaners. Just avoid mixing them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
B. Best Cleaner Shrimp
1. Cherry Shrimp
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Job: Algae eater, leftover food
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Size: 2–3 cm
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Tank Size: 20L+
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Care Level: Very easy
Colorful and active, Cherry Shrimp are excellent cleaners for nano tanks and planted aquariums. They’re easy to breed and perfect for beginners.
👉 Mix Cherry Shrimp are a fun and affordable option available at Micro Aquatic Shop.
2. Amano Shrimp
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Job: Algae control and detritus cleaner
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Size: 4–5 cm
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Tank Size: 30L+
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Care Level: Easy
Amano Shrimp are considered the best shrimp for algae cleaning. They’re hard workers and thrive in peaceful tanks. Just make sure they can’t escape—these little climbers are sneaky!
3. Ghost Shrimp (Glass Shrimp)
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Job: General scavenger
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Size: 2–4 cm
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Tank Size: 20L+
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Care Level: Very easy
Budget-friendly and transparent, Ghost Shrimp eat leftover food and organic debris. They're a great choice for beginners but may be eaten by larger or aggressive fish.
C. Bonus: Snails That Help Clean Your Tank
1. Nerite Snail
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Job: Algae eater
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Care Level: Very easy
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Won’t reproduce in freshwater!
2. Mystery Snail
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Job: Bottom cleaner, eats algae & detritus
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Adds beauty with vivid colors
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Safe with plants and shrimp
D. Why Add a Cleaning Crew?
Adding a few cleaner fish or shrimp to your tank:
✅ Reduces algae buildup
✅ Minimises leftover food waste
✅ Helps stabilize water parameters
✅ Adds natural diversity to your aquascape
E. Where to Buy?
You can find healthy, beginner-friendly cleaner fish and shrimp at Micro Aquatic Shop—Australia’s trusted source for aquascaping needs.
We offer:
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Live arrival guarantee
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Expert support for new hobbyists
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A wide range of species including shrimp, snails, and algae eaters
Final Tips
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Always research compatibility before adding new species.
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Don’t overstock your tank—cleaner animals help, but they still produce waste.
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Supplement their diet with quality food like algae wafers or shrimp pellets.
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Regular water changes and filter maintenance are still essential!
