Every aquarium owner hopes for one thing. A perfectly clean tank that somehow takes care of itself. It sounds ideal, but experienced aquarists know the truth. No fish or creature can completely replace regular tank maintenance. Water changes, filter care, and proper feeding still matter.Many fish and invertebrates naturally eat leftover food, algae, dying plant leaves, and even pest snails. These species quietly work around the tank, picking at surfaces and cleaning small bits of waste before they build up. Experts say adding the right clean-up crew can make an aquarium healthier and easier to manage. They won’t do all the work, but they certainly help. From bottom-scavenging catfish to algae-loving shrimp, here are ten freshwater aquarium cleaners that aquarists often rely on.