SAE question(s)

[blueturq]

Hi everyone.

I have some questions about Siamese Algae Eater's (the true type).

My LPS got a bunch of these guys in recently, and I looked at them to make sure they are the true type and sure enough they are!

I figured though, that before I buy i'll ask before-hand.

Here's what I am wondering:

Are SAE's generally intolerant of one another, or do they get along with eachother?, at the LPS they are all small and seem to get along with eachother, but again I figured that I would ask just to play it safe.

Also, are SAE's easy to keep?, what are their water preferences?

Also, would SAE's grow too big for a 29 gallon?

[Blinky]

IME they seem to enjoy each other's company. I've got two in a 65g, there's room for them to each have their own area, but they usually choose to cruise around together. They get fairly large, ~4" or so, but I think you'd be fine with two in a 29g as long as it's not overstocked. According to The Krib (http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/) they do well in average community tank conditions (pH ~7, temp 75F - 80F). Mine are in a heavily planted tank, 82F (sometimes higher), with a pH ~6.4-6.6 and they seem like happy little guys. They've never bothered the other fish, even brand new fry or the bristlenose when he's resting on the bogwood. They're very 'busy', but peaceful :)

[kamla]

Just like Blinky said they can grow up to 4 inches..
I have had mine for a month and they ahve grown by half an inch..
they r very active.. fun fish to watch..:)

[blueturq]

Thanks alot for the help guys! :thm:

One last question though.

Can SAE's be successfully kept with Fancy Goldfish in a 55 gallon, or would the water be too cold for the SAE's? I currently have it at around 72-73F

[Swimfins]

72 or 73 is tolerable, but it shouldn't fall below this range. I don't think sae's are a cold water fish. Its a malaysian species, and I'd think 72 F would be minimum, warmer better. Cold water temps can trigger ich in tropical fish ( I think) but might be wrong on this so treat :dance2: it with a grain of salt (like ich)

[reiverix]

I must have got an SAE with a grudge. It was fine until it got around 3 inches, then it just turned nasty. I had to give it away.