algae eater options

[TyroneGenade]

Hi all,

How are the following as algae eaters:

Twig Cats (Farlowella vittata)
Royal Whiptail (Sturisoma aureum)
Otocinclus species

The tank is 1.2 x .45 x .45 m. How many Otos would be needed to keep algae in check? Likewise, how many of the Twig or Whiptails?

Thanks

[adolfoi]

Hi all,

How are the following as algae eaters:

Twig Cats (Farlowella vittata)
Royal Whiptail (Sturisoma aureum)
Otocinclus species

The tank is 1.2 x .45 x .45 m. How many Otos would be needed to keep algae in check? Likewise, how many of the Twig or Whiptails?

Thanks

I think both will grown quite big interm if size. I ever can across a 5' Farlowella.... furthermore, they eat both vege and meat...
I have otos and SAEs for my planted tank..

[TyroneGenade]

Thanks for the advice Adolfoi. I will wait to get some SAEs and Otos.

thanks

[bryan]

You need to consider the types of algae as well. The most enthusiastic window cleaner I've ever come across was a bristlenose pleco.
Snails, shrimps and fish like rosybarbs, flagfish, platys,mollies do eat different types of algae.

[TyroneGenade]

Thanks for the advice Bryan. I've had Ancistrus before and can attest to their cleaning potential but I don't want a lumbering beast in my planted tank squashing the hair grass. :-)

I had considered variatus platies for algae control but my pH will be too low and the water too soft.

I was leaning towards Otos and SAE to begin with.

I'm not sure how many SAEs and Otos i would need. I am having 2nd thoughts about the SAE as they get big but I suppose some big fish would like nice in the tank.

Any ideas on how many SAEs and Otos can go into my tanks (dimensions previously stated).

Thanks