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Hi,

I'm thinking about getting a small algae eater for my first/42g tank (see my profile for stocking). I don't have any live plants, just a lot of plastic plants. It's been running for about 4 months now, and I'm starting to get some algae (brown spots) on the leaves of the plastic plants and on the back glass right above the heater. The tank is pretty much fully stocked IMO, so I'm not sure whether it's better to get a small algae eater or just deal with trying to scrub the algae off the plants during water changes instead (not a fun experience in my previous attempts).

Another thing is what to choose for a small algae eater (no experience whatsoever with them). I've never seen an Otto in all the months I've looked in local LFS's (one said they're too sensitive to carry). I've seen common BNs, which is ok but not too crazy about their looks, but the better-looking BN's are ridiculously expensive here in Oz. Anyways, what do you guys recommend? Any other algae eater I should consider that stays small and readily available & not too expensive in Australia?

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by upikabu at 01-Aug-2005 02:56

-P

i would say just go with a bn.. there are many varieties as u suggested that look better then the common.. pepermints are great, i have one in my 40gal and i love it!! there are also albinos that are becoming more common now in aus.. u can find them at a good size for around $30.. i wouldnt recomend ottos since they are schoolers and they are expensive in aus you might as well get 2 peppermint bns for the price of a school of ottos..

don get sucked in to buying sucking catfish because they are cheap.. i wouldnt recomend foxes or SAEs.

you could go with some apple snails. up to you in the end but thats my 2 cents

r0b3y

You can buy a BN or a couple of Oto's Both these fish are great Algae Eaters.


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Last edited by jasonpisani at 01-Aug-2005 08:30

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OTTOCINCLUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like my albino Bn, but have just recently acquired a normal adult pair with a used tank. I like the way they clean off the algae, but they won't eat all kinds. Never tried ottos, but have heard they are great.

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'll look around for a good deal on the rarer BN. But first I have to deal with some fish health problems, off to post it now.

-P

upikabu

Where are you in OZ? The Ottos are very seasonal and at the moment they can be bought. Some one in your area might know where you can buy them. Or ask you local LFS to get some in for you. I think they prefer a live planted though, even then they should be fed with a sinking algae chip regually.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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Hi Keith,

I'm in Brisbane. The one local LFS I talked to was hesitant to order them because they said the Ottos just don't do well in the fish store environment. I know I can get them shipped from Sydney (SLS), but the freight cost is very dear.

Cheers.

-P

upikabu

What a load of Horse *****
The can do extremly well providing they know how to look after them. Some one in your area might know where you can get them. I am picking up four tomorrow, very little algae in new tank if at all, but I will be feeding them on the sinking algae chip.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

pepermints are great, i have one in my 40gal and i love it!! there are also albinos that are becoming more common now in aus.. u can find them at a good size for around $30

r0b3y is that the price your quoting for peppermints or albinos?? the only peps i've seen for that price (if at all!) are babies!

lol nah the albinos are $30 the peppermints go for around $50 to $60

HMPH! i knew it was too good to be true!

sorry m sabotaging this post!