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I am looking for algae eating fish that eat algae off plants. My lfs suggested otos will do a good job of that. Are their any other fish that will eat algae of plants? I just want some opionions of what fish seems to get rid of algae problems. Thanks.

Otos are probably your best choice for the mature aquarium, as they are rather delicate and will not harm plants. How big is the aquarium and what colour is the algae? Also how long has it been set up? Otos like mature water

Depends on what size tank you have.
Here are some examples: Chinese Algae Eater (CAE), Saimese Algae Eater (SAE), Flying Foxes, Otos, Hillstream Loaches, these constantly eat algae. These will also eat algae in their diets: Corys, Mollys, Platys, Rainbow sharks, Bristlenose, plecos to list just a few that I have in my tanks. It all depends on what type of algae and how much you have. If you have a large tank with and overload of algae, then a shoal of Otos, or 1 CAE will keep it under control. But just a warning, if you run out of algae the CAE can start to suck on the slime coat of other fish.

For plant maintenance SAE's are about the best, they eat just about anything that grows on a plant! Otto's are a good second choice.I'd keep away from CAE's and Flying Foxes pretty useless and will become aggressive.

Actually a team of Black Mollies are remarkable algae eaters they never stop pecking at the plants 24/7 I would always have a trio in my planted tank.

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

It's a 32 gallon tank and its about over a month old.I've got mostly tons of thread algae, and a dark green kinda algae on rocks and the plants and brownish algae on my filter . The iron levels are to high in the tank rite now. But an SAE can get big and eventually agressive, right? An otos grow to only about 2.5 inches if I am not mistaken. I have read to put some kind of phosphate media in my filter to get rid of nutrients required for the growth of plants and algae. I would also like algae eating fish since I have live plants in there though.

since its big enough i would get a bn(bristlenose)

A BN will do a great job with your Algae. Otos are good aswell, but they are more delicate to keep.

:88)

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Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
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definitely bn is a good choice, won't dissappoint you.

I doubt a bristle nose will touch your thread algae at all! Although may do a good job on the green and brown algae.

SAE's are not in the least aggressive, but yes they do get to about 4" in size.

If your iron is too high that would definately explain the thread algae, they thrive on excess iron. Are you using ferts if so, stop for a while to get the iron content down.

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

I would definately go with the siamese flying foxes, they really do demolish algae. Bristlenose will not, they will only graze on algae and you won't see a scarrick of difference. I have 3 in my 180 litre tank and have no algae problems. The one's that I have had for over a year now are about 6cm in length and have a black horisontal stripe that runs through the middle of thier body from tip to tail. Good luck

Fish are Fun not Food!

Here we go again. The SAE naming game ! There is actually no such fish as a Siamese Flying Fox. This is a result of mislabeling in LFS's. There is a Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis)and the Flying FoEpalzeorhynchus kalopterus), 2 completely different fish.

Mis naming them just perpetuates the mis-nomer and causes confusion leading to somebody purchasing a fish they neither need or want.

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Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

its been said, but I would still say otos.

Siamese Algae Eater v Flying Fox important info:

Thankyou BENSAF for pointing that out. I had my suspicions too about this guy, but too often we take for granted what is printed on the LFS fish descrpition sticker as gospel. Another fish in that catercory (play on words)is in fact the CORYDORAS JULII and the TRI-LINEATUS, look very much the same but there are subtle differences, but are virtually always mislabled in the LFS. Anyway back to the Siamese Algae Eater Vs the Flying Fox. After doing some research I have found the following which makes for interesting reading

Siamese Algae Eater (Which is the one I have)
The Siamese Algae Eater is generally considered to be the best all-around algae eater available to aquarists. Unfortunately it is easily confused with other similar species (usually "False Siamensis" Epalzeorhynchus sp.), and is often mislabeled in stores. Most of the fish I've seen in Canada sold under the name "Siamese Algae Eater" are really Epalzeorhynchus sp. A relatively peaceful fish, especially when young, it can become agressive to its own species as it ages, and its quick, darting movements can stress out some more sensitive fish, such as dwarf cichlids or discus. A very hardy fish, it is easy to keep and feed, eating both algae and just about anything else put into the tank, such as flake food, pellets, live foods, parboiled vegetables, etc. It does a diligent job of removing algae from plants without harming them, as well as from decorations and aquarium glass. Considered by this aquarist as a necessity in any well-planted aquarium. Cover the tank carefully however, as these fish are strong jumpers.

Flying Fox
This fish is often sold as the SAE (Siamese Algae Eater), which is not a very good thing since the two have distinctly different characteristics. The "Flying Fox" will stop eating algae at older age and become hostile towards other fish, even of its own kind, while the SAE lives peacefully and eats algae throughout its life cycle.

and this this also about the Flying Fox

My Flying Fox is very rude. He's so hardy. Unfortunately, he outranked my Plecostomus and Chinese Algae Eater, so they died. The Chinese Algae Eater even got a bite from the SAE.

So my advice to anyone wanting to know which Algae Eater you want in your tank then go for the Siamese Algae Eater.




Fish are Fun not Food!

Yes I have stopped using ferts and have been doing frequent water changes. I can't find SAEs at any of my lfs but I still have one store left to check. If I can't find them I'm going with the otos.