Freshwater algae eaters eat one or both filamentous (hair) algae and surface (green layer) algae. These fish and crustaceans tend to be small and peaceful and most will need some supplemental foods, but the critters can get this food from the leftovers.

Algae eaters help with algae problems, but clean water and proper feeding habits will go a lot longer in that regard than a few snails and algae loving fish.