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I am looking for an algae eater for my 55g. I already have ottos so I'm looking for something slightly bigger. I have thought about a BN but wanted to see if there were more suggestions. I will have it moderately planted so I want something that won't ruin my plant work.

*Kristin*

mollies can be used for algae removeal, but i dont think they work all the time, the only thing i would think is the CAE for a few days, hopefully he will eat the algae and then u can move him b4 he gets big.

A Siamese algae eater would work if you can find one but finding and correctly identifying a true SAE is the difficult part.

Correctly identifying a true SAE is not hard. That would be the best option for a 55 gallon. It's a great fish and an excellent algae eater.

What about a Queen Arabesque pleco...are they hard on plants. I think I heard they were a smaller type. Or a Clown pleco? I don't think BN are hard on plants so I might just stick to one of those. I haven't seen any SAE's around here. Only CAE's which I have had and know they kill fish.

*Kristin*

Queen arabesque plecos and clown plecos are not effective algae eaters in most cases. A great many plecos are relatively ineffective at cleaning the tank glass and other surfaces of algae.

A bristlenose pleco would be great, they're very nifty fish and typically are good algae consumers. Your plants should be fine if they are well-rooted or placed firmly in the substrate, as the catfish's clumsy swimming can uproot them. I have had no problem with my bristlenose and my plants, though he doesn't clean off any of the leaves.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

A lovely BN will do a great job & keep the Algae away from your tank.


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I love my three siamese algae eaters. They surprised me with how lively they are... very entertaining to watch. They also surprised me by being much more selective about the kinds of algae they eat. I often find my trio of SAE's schooling with the congo tetras and going after shrimp, tubifex worms--whatever is on the menu. They get back to algae after a while, but not a "clean sweep" of the tank.

I have found that combining oto's and SAE's has done the best job of keeping the algae away. They seem to like different type of algae. They too even school together from time to time. My 72 gallon tank has 3 SAE's and 5 Oto's. It's only been stocked for a month or so, but not a hint of problems...

Gary

My only problem with SAE's is I've never seen them at a store around here. There are plenty of CAE's but I know to stay away from those. Most stores just have them labeled as "algae eaters". I will look for a BN. I have always heard they were good but didn't know about them and plants. If I see a SAE somewhere soon I will definately get a few because I have heard good things about them also, its just a matter of locating a true one. Thanks for the suggestions! :%)

*Kristin*

One big problem with SAE is they will make a feast of the algae while they are young then they become fat and lazy and prefer fish foods. Well mine do anyway.

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Keith

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