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i have a 10 G with some guppy fry and an Anubias.im going to my lfs today and probably wil pick up another anubias,and also i would like to get and algae eater,any recommendations on one that wont eat my plants,and will eat brown algae?also how about one for a cold water tank with goldfish, as my mom has some and would like one but most algae eater i know are tropical and would not be practical in that tank.so one algea eater for me and one for my mom,any suggestions?

a gara is fine in cold water and u could go with some florida flagfish in the planted tank or some of the smaller plecos.

how about an otto?

No, ottos require groups, so one otto would not be a good idea. They also do need warmer water.

Since your tank is newly set-up, you're probably just going through an early phase. If you wait a few more weeks the brown algae may even disappear.

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

there was the 12 foot by 4 foot tank they had a school of like 160 or 200 ottos it was pretty sweet to see them swim in a group srry to derail from the subject but It was cool.

yes, that would be cool. and ive tried less light for a week w.no success, i want the light on top veiw the fish and if i do this the algae comes back.my tank is about 75F, but often times warmer

get some cheap CAE or SAE and use those... SAE are better but IMO CAE are cheap and do the job well... although when they get older they might get aggressive (so oscar might find a new tank mate or a nice meal...)

SAE are more timid and keep to algae consumption and cleaning up leftovers, best bet if you can get them, but its up to you. BY NO MEANS SHOULD YOU GET A PLECO! unless you have a large tank to accomodate it (can reach up to 18-24 inches and produces waste compatible to an oscar...)

flying foxes are cool too but they arent big algae eaters and also like to be in groups (or so i've read).

-Brandon

\\\\\\\"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure\\\\\\\"

Both SAEs and CAEs get too large for a 10 gallon, IMO. I wouldn't keep either in a 10 gallon as a permanent solution.

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

thats why i mentioned a larger tank or them becoming food after they served their purpose.

I agree both become too large for a 10g for long term, but short term might be ok...

\\\\\\\"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure\\\\\\\"

i dont want it to become food, i want it to be a permanent part of my tank to take out algae as it comes, if no algae is present i can enjoy whatever it is by supplementing with veggies and algae wafers.

I think a trio of ottos would be fine.

would it be fine to just get one and try him,then introduce one to two more later?

Hi,
The short answer is No, it is not a good idea to buy fish
that school or shoal one at a time.
When purchasing that type of fish, and when money is
important, save up until you can purchase the
minimum number of that species. Or, even better,
save until you can purchase the full complement of
that type of fish and introduce them all at once.

Purchasing fish, one or two at a time in a species that
shoal or school, invites disease as you will possibly
be purchasing from different deliveries, and perhaps even
different tanks.
Purchasing fish like this also increases the chances of
a more aggressive "pecking order" as the one or ones in the
tank will have established "ownership" of either the tank
or a specific area that they will defend against the
newcomers.

Frank

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

ok thanks. never looked at it like a pecking order but it makes sense

I would choose the otto's, 3 for sure for a 10gal.. temps at 75-77 are suitable for these little guys..they adapt well, and do a good job of cleanning up..
offer some DW if you can as they like it to hide its natural for them..wood is best but other hiding places will do too..

yes i hear they like DW and broad leaved plant(preferably live) which i have both of.should work out well.