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I have a 20 gallon tank (with plans to upgrade as needed) with fine gravel, lots of rock and driftwood caves, java moss, and a java fern. The pH is between 8.0-8.2 and the temperature is 80F. It is stocked with a 1" calvus, a 1" compressiceps, a 1" leleupi, a 1.5" tret, and a 2" julidochromis regani. My lfs suggested that we add a dwarf bristlenose to take care of algae and left over food on the bottom of the tank.

We purchased one for the tank today. He is about 1.5". Immediately upon releasing him in the tank the tret and the julie pounced on him. They were relentless and I had to rescue him after less than 30 seconds. He is now peacefully coexisting with more accepting tankmates.

But now what??? How can I control algae and keep the bottom free of left over food? After today's violent onslaught I'm nervous about adding anything. I hate to resort to a controlling the algae with chemicals but I can't stand to see another fish so brutally tormented. Can anyone suggest an algae eater that would work in this tank?

thanks!

you might try a much larger bristlenose. if you can try to find one that's around 3" or so. the young cichlids may not mess with a larger fish. also it may help to remove all the cichlids first and then introduce the bn. give the plec time to get settled in (a few hours) and then reintroduce the cichlids.