If you ever get down this way, there's a LFS here that always has them in abundance for a couple of bucks each.
Len
Len
Siamese Algae Eaters
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Having had planted tanks for a while, I have also had SAEs. My first try was from that place in AZ- they sent false SAEs. I finally found a great, reliable source for them on AquaBid. They sell for about 2 bucks each plus shipping. SAEs are one of the hardiest fish I have kept and they ship well- ie priority mail. There are currently 9 SAEs in my tanks that rance in size from 2.5 to almost 5 inches. All eat algae, and anything else they can swallow, none bother any other fish and they mostly get along. I have singles and multiples both- in different tanks.
About 1.5 years ago I had a bad bba problem in a high light co2 added tank. To eradicate it while rebalancing the tank I collected SAEs from several tanks and dumped them together into the 50.
About 1.5 years ago I had a bad bba problem in a high light co2 added tank. To eradicate it while rebalancing the tank I collected SAEs from several tanks and dumped them together into the 50.
Wow,
That's a beautiful tank you got there.
I hope I have the same luck as you. I have algae on almost all my plants, but the repens is the worst. My ammano won't touch it (I was told that he would) so I'm hoping that when I do get my SAE's that they'll be able to save my plants. They are all growing very healthy since I've added more CO2 in the tank (actually, they look beautiful, except when you get too close to see the algae on them...grrrr), so I have to work on my water parameters.
I have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 0 nitrates, ph 6.6 and a kh of 7 with a 55w CF and 20w no FL lights in a 20 gallon long tank. I still don't have my phosphate kit, but I'm hoping to get it soon. In the future, I hope to have a 30 gallon tank.
And if I could ever get a good picture of my tank, I'll post it just to get everyone's opinion.
Lissette
That's a beautiful tank you got there.
I hope I have the same luck as you. I have algae on almost all my plants, but the repens is the worst. My ammano won't touch it (I was told that he would) so I'm hoping that when I do get my SAE's that they'll be able to save my plants. They are all growing very healthy since I've added more CO2 in the tank (actually, they look beautiful, except when you get too close to see the algae on them...grrrr), so I have to work on my water parameters. I have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 0 nitrates, ph 6.6 and a kh of 7 with a 55w CF and 20w no FL lights in a 20 gallon long tank. I still don't have my phosphate kit, but I'm hoping to get it soon. In the future, I hope to have a 30 gallon tank.
And if I could ever get a good picture of my tank, I'll post it just to get everyone's opinion.
Lissette
SAEs are not the answer for most algae issues, IME. They will eat BBA, and few others. If you have any of the green algae growing, Otos would be a better choice, but the best way to cut down on the algae is to grow the plants well and increase plant mass.
Get yourself a test kit for P and learn how much N and P is required in your tank to reach N=10 and P=1.0ppm.
Grow the plants and they will take care of the fish and the algae.
Len
Get yourself a test kit for P and learn how much N and P is required in your tank to reach N=10 and P=1.0ppm.
Grow the plants and they will take care of the fish and the algae.
Len
Thanks Len. I do have one otto in my tank and he's doing very well with the green algae. I couldn't believe that he alone could clean my gravel the way he has. I'm definitely keeping him. But, he won't touch the other algae in my tank. I know that these fish aren't the answer to my problem, but I would at least like some control over it.
I know I have a problem with my water, I can't believe that I have 0 nitrates in my tank. I'll take care of the problem as soon as I get my phosphate kit. I do feed very lightly and every other day. I have seen the fish eat some of the algae (the proof is in the poop, he, he.) They are always pecking at my driftwood.
Right now, I have at least 75% percent of the tank covered with healthy tall plants (thanks to the DIY CO2 3 litter bottle. I use it with the Hagen latter). My plants are: Sunset Hygro, Asian Ambulia, Rotala Indica, Bacopa, L. Repens and one Java Fern. In the last week I have pruned my plants at least 5 times. It looks like a jungle in there.
The algae started when I added the 20w No FL light. I only added the extra light because there were some shaded areas in my tank. The wpg rule is somewhat confusing to me because some have said that long tanks require more light to cover shaded areas. I did that and now..Boom...I have algae. According to the wpg rule, I have 3.75 wpg in my tank (or do I?).
So my question is, did I make a good move getting an extra light for the shaded areas, or did I mess up my tank with the extra light? I figured getting a No FL (not as strong as CFL) wouldn't be a big deal , but I guess it is. Can you give me an opinion on this? Maybe I shouldn't use it anymore, what do you think?
Thanks for your help.
Lissette
I know I have a problem with my water, I can't believe that I have 0 nitrates in my tank. I'll take care of the problem as soon as I get my phosphate kit. I do feed very lightly and every other day. I have seen the fish eat some of the algae (the proof is in the poop, he, he.) They are always pecking at my driftwood.
Right now, I have at least 75% percent of the tank covered with healthy tall plants (thanks to the DIY CO2 3 litter bottle. I use it with the Hagen latter). My plants are: Sunset Hygro, Asian Ambulia, Rotala Indica, Bacopa, L. Repens and one Java Fern. In the last week I have pruned my plants at least 5 times.
It looks like a jungle in there.The algae started when I added the 20w No FL light. I only added the extra light because there were some shaded areas in my tank. The wpg rule is somewhat confusing to me because some have said that long tanks require more light to cover shaded areas. I did that and now..Boom...I have algae. According to the wpg rule, I have 3.75 wpg in my tank (or do I?).
So my question is, did I make a good move getting an extra light for the shaded areas, or did I mess up my tank with the extra light? I figured getting a No FL (not as strong as CFL) wouldn't be a big deal , but I guess it is. Can you give me an opinion on this? Maybe I shouldn't use it anymore, what do you think?
Thanks for your help.
Lissette
I'd leave the light and try to do as Len suggests with the N and P levels - he won't steer you wrong, he's helped me countless times 
With fast growing plants, lots of light and CO2 you're going to need to dose NPK and traces - my water sprite and hygro suck up nutrients as fast as I get them into the tank.
With fast growing plants, lots of light and CO2 you're going to need to dose NPK and traces - my water sprite and hygro suck up nutrients as fast as I get them into the tank.
When you increase one part of the equation, you need to adjust the other parts to compensate or these things generally occur.
Keep dividing/propagating the plants. Work to get your nutrient levels where they should be. Keep a close watch on your CO2 levels by monitoring pH and don't let them slip. Clean, scrub, and keep up the water changes as plants continue to grow and algae will decrease.
Len
Keep dividing/propagating the plants. Work to get your nutrient levels where they should be. Keep a close watch on your CO2 levels by monitoring pH and don't let them slip. Clean, scrub, and keep up the water changes as plants continue to grow and algae will decrease.
Len
Thanks a lot guys. I really appreciate your advice and I am certainly glad I can keep the light (boy, I was hoping you'd say that). The shaded areas in the tank were pretty obvious and it really bothered me. I like it the way it is.
I'll definitely adjust the balance in my tank and I'll keep propagating my plants. I'm anxious to have a tank like the ones that you have. Thanks again.
Lissette
I'll definitely adjust the balance in my tank and I'll keep propagating my plants. I'm anxious to have a tank like the ones that you have. Thanks again.
Lissette
djlen said:
This is exactly what's happening in my tank. My SAE is about 4 inches. It first started on the otos, and now the corys are getting hassled, with the main aggression being just after I feed them. It also tried to take on my powder blue gourami and ended getting beat up. I'd hate to part with it as I like the way it cruises around but I don't like seeing my tank beeing disrupted like this.
