I admit, I am still a newbie on this subject but is it really that important to have an algae eater in your tank? I always assumed that having at least one pleco in your tank would be enough considerng that if I speak for myself... I am always on top of my aquarium maintenance. The only algae I clean in my tank is the one that grows on the top of my glass where the light hits. That is pretty much it. Other than that... I haven't seen my algae gone out of control.