Size and Type??

[I Am Fishy]

I just cycled my 55 gallon tank a few weeks ago. I have a AC500 and Fluval 404. About two weeks ago I inroduced 10 Blood Fin Tetras. I was wondering what type of algae eater I could add to the tank. I was thinking of CAE's but I was told not to. Any suggestions.

[thom336]

Well...

- SAE's (make sure you get the genuine article - the 'fakes' wont touch algae)
- Bristlenoses (dont get common plecs - grow huge)
- Ottos (certainly a little favourite on these boards)

They're your main three really.

[I Am Fishy]

1. How large do ottos get.
2. Are they peacefull etc.....

[125gJoe]

SAE's - they do the job on algae!

Go to this Link : SAE's (http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/gsae.html)

Make sure their stripe goes all the way through the tail! Or else, you don't have the "true" SAE!

[Mgamer20o0]

ottos get to be about 1.5 inch and they are peaceful search the net or the boards for more info

[thom336]

But for ottos to have an effect on algae, your gonna have to have quite a group of them. Good luck with whichever you go for!

[I Am Fishy]

As far as Otto's go, if they are that small will they get picked on by other fish. I found info on Otto's last night, but everything is cut and dry. I would like to get some experiences from real people's experience's not text book stuff. It seems everything I found is the same thing on other sites.
Thom336, as far as groups go how many do you mean when you say "quitea group of them"

[thom336]

Well, Id say you'd need at least 6 ottos to start havin an impact on algae in a 55gal.

[I Am Fishy]

thanks for the fast response. I will look into it some more. Maybe that is the way to go

[I Am Fishy]

Just one more question. Would neon tetras be a good addition to add with my all ready blood fin tetras?