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What would be a good, harmless algae eater for a SE Asian type tank? I'm thinking SAE or CAE, but will they bother my other fish? I've heard that they can get aggressive and go after slime coats.

Currently, I have an opaline gourami, some harley rasboras, some cherry barbs, and some platies and a pleco (he is going in my 55 when it's set-up.) I'm thinking of setting up the platies in their own tank and keeping my 30 a SE Asian style tank and was wondering about clean-up.

Seems like most of the good cleaners are South American (oto's, plecos, etc.) Any ideas?

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~~Melissa~~
"Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder."

SAE would be my choice, they are very efficient cleaners IME, and not too boisterous

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

What is wrong with Otocinclus. Sure they are South
American, but they fit in msot any tank, especially If it's
planted. If you are looking for an efficient algae eater,
that is non-boisterous the Oto is the way to go. But If you
wish to remain away from them, Shrimp ar good algae
eaters,and many are from Asia. Amanos, cherry's, crystal
reds. all good choices, though the amano will be more likely
to survive with gouramies. Then again keeping most any fish
with shrimp is a gamble.

HTH,
Megil

I'm not totally opposed to otto's, I think they're the cutest little fish...I just figured biotope purists would foam at the mouth if I put one in a predominately SE Asian style tank. I realize, however, that any person that into these biotope deals would not hesitate to point out that "SE Asian" is way to broad to be considered a true biotope in the first place.

I'm just getting some opinions....I appreciate the help...thanks y'all. Any others?

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~~Melissa~~
"Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder."

For sure don't get a CAE, they are great Algae Eaters at a young age but they will suck on your fish when they'll get older.


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Get a "true" SAE, not a CAE. Great fish for algae eating and not boisterous to other fish. Perfect for your asian theme.

Hands down for me-- the Siamese Algae Eater. Just make certain it is the the true SAE and not the Flying Fox. I have had bad experience with the CAE.

Without a doubt I would go for Siamese Algae eaters.
They are peaceful, friendly, seem almost jovial, are very active, and are incredibly efficient algae eaters.
Another great little fish for a SE asian biotope if
I may recommend, is the stone lapping barb.
They are incredibly peaceful, seem to max out
around 3-4 inches, though they supposedly grow to
6. They dont eat much algae, but they keep the tank
clear of microscopic lifeforms, and such things as planaria, leeches, and other insects/critters.
Heres a pic of mine:

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Oh, isn't he cute! Y'all have given me some great ideas!! I'm wanting to move my platies to a 20 gallon dedicated platy tank. The big pleco is going into my SA Amazon style tank, so I will be able to add an SAE and maybe a couple of theose little barbs. This is going to be so cool!

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~~Melissa~~
"Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder."