I would forget about the pleco for the reasons you have already stated, and
since you already have otos - they both eat the same types of algae - and 3
is plenty for a 15g. SAEs are almost a must for planted tanks. True SAEs
are good for filamentous (hair-type) algaes, but not necessarily the other
types of algae. They grow fairly slowly, but eventually will out-grow a
15g; you could keep one in there for awhile. They are also fairly peaceful,
but I have noticed my single one chase other fish at feeding time. A pair
might possibly be less aggressive. The combination of otos and SAEs should
be perfect. Maybe an Amano shrimp, too!

Jody

"Dave M. Picklyk" wrote in message
. ..
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!!