Chinese Algae Eater Stocking
Minimum 50 gal · 10" adult · medium bioload · aggressive.
Estimated bioload
20%
understocked
Bioload-based: it weighs adult size and waste output, not the oversimplified "1 inch per gallon" rule.
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Keeping Chinese Algae Eater
The Chinese Algae Eater grows to about 10 inches and needs a minimum of 50 gallons. Its bioload is medium, meaning it produces a moderate amount of waste for its size, a key factor the "one inch per gallon" rule ignores. It doesn't need a large group, but plan tankmates around its temperament. Temperament is aggressive, so choose tankmates carefully or keep it in a species-only setup. Use the calculator above to see how a group fits your tank's real volume before you buy.
Before you add this species
- What bioload actually isWhy a medium-waste fish counts ×1.7 per inch
- Cycle the tank firstFishless cycling, step by step
Tanks that clear the 50-gallon minimum
Real inside dimensions and filled weight for the standard sizes that can house a Chinese Algae Eater.
- 55 gallon tank48" × 13" × 21"
- 75 gallon tank48" × 18" × 21"
- 90 gallon tank48" × 18" × 24"
Species to plan alongside the Chinese Algae Eater
Closest on temperament and tank-size requirement. Run the whole list through the calculator before you buy: bioload adds up across species, not per species.
- Oscar75 gal min · 14" adult · high bioload · aggressive
- Flowerhorn Cichlid75 gal min · 15" adult · high bioload · aggressive
- Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish)5 gal min · 2.5" adult · low bioload · aggressive
- Common / Comet Goldfish55 gal min · 12" adult · high bioload · peaceful
- Discus55 gal min · 6" adult · medium bioload · peaceful
- Fancy Goldfish30 gal min · 8" adult · high bioload · peaceful
Frequently asked questions
What size tank does a Chinese Algae Eater need?
At least 50 gallons. They can be kept without a large group, but check tankmate compatibility.
Is the Chinese Algae Eater peaceful?
Temperament is aggressive. Reaching about 10" as an adult with a medium bioload, plan tankmates and filtration accordingly.
Keep going with the same pet
Not sure of your tank's exact gallons? Measure it with the aquarium volume calculator first.
Your dog's age in human years, breed-size adjusted, not the ×7 myth.
Your cat's age in human years using the real feline curve, not the ×7 myth.
How much to feed: daily calories and cups by weight, activity and life stage.
Tank gallons and liters from your dimensions: rectangle, cylinder, hex and more.