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Old 20-04-2003, 06:20 AM
Dave M. Picklyk
 
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Default Algae removal- SAEs, otos, or plecos?

What's a good combination for algae removal? I have a 15 gal tank with three
otocinclus. Every week I barely have to clean the glass.

Plecos are good glass cleaners and sometimes when they are small the do some
good algae eating...but I heard when they grow larger their diet changes and
they start eating plants. Of course, in my experience with them a few years
back I know after they grow larger they start getting lazy and they bumble
about messing everything up. I've heard of and seen the neat looking
bristlenose pleco. Does it stay really nice and small and clean things up
without eating plants etc.?? As far as I can remember those things are
really expensive at the LFS ($45CAN).

What about siamese algae eaters? A few years ago I had been burned by a few
that I now believe were Chinese algae eaters and all they did was chase fish
around and pretend to clean algae. Are SAEs totally non-agressive like otos
are? For a 15 gal tank, do they stay nice and small like otos? I don't like
to overpopulate my tank with algae eaters and force the more decorative fish
out.

Right now I have 3 otocinclus, 2 bronze cats, and a betta. I have ordered 5
dwarf neon rainbows from a breeder and they will be added in the next month
or so. Any room for more fish ??

Any opinions? THANX!!