SAE or Bristlenose?

[Larry]

I'm starting to get some algae buildup on all my rocks.(26g planted
tank)... About 1/2 cm and spikey looking. Otos(3) are not doing much
on my rocks. Glass is ok so far. Some plants getting hair type algae
also. What is your opinion for this type of algae? 2 Bristlenose
Plecos or 2 SAE? or....???? I have 5 panda corys and they keep the
bottom spotless so far.

All the best,

Larry

[Elaine T]

Larry wrote:
> I'm starting to get some algae buildup on all my rocks.(26g planted
> tank)... About 1/2 cm and spikey looking. Otos(3) are not doing much
> on my rocks. Glass is ok so far. Some plants getting hair type algae
> also. What is your opinion for this type of algae? 2 Bristlenose
> Plecos or 2 SAE? or....???? I have 5 panda corys and they keep the
> bottom spotless so far.
>
> All the best,
>
> Larry
>
>
>
Start with one bristlenose plec. Also buy some Amano/algae shrimp
(Cardinia japonica) if your tank is well covered and you have nothing
that will eat them. The shrimp are escape artists so forget it if the
tank isn't covered. The plec will work on rocks and glass and the
shrimp will eat hair algae off of plant leaves. Of course, make
conditions optimal for plants by fertilizing iron and trace elements and
getting N:P:K at 8:1:16. If you're not, add CO2 as well.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[sherlock]

I'm starting to get some algae buildup on all my rocks.(26g planted
tank)... About 1/2 cm and spikey looking. Otos(3) are not doing much
on my rocks. Glass is ok so far. Some plants getting hair type algae
also. What is your opinion for this type of algae? 2 Bristlenose
Plecos or 2 SAE? or....???? I have 5 panda corys and they keep the
bottom spotless so far.

All the best,

Larry

plecos/algae

Avoid Pleco's[Hypostomus plecostomus]in a planted aquarium,they can grow to 2 feet long and can uproot almost any plant.
Peckoltia and Ancistrus are much easier to live with.Panaque's are brilliant if a bit expensive and can grow to over a foot.Having two of the same species of any of these fish is asking for a fight.I grow my plants in terracota pots,it helps to stop them being uprooted.I have a Royal panaque,a Peckoltia and an ancistrus in a planted tank with no problems.
They all have their territory and their little arguments are short and without consequence.It's a good idea to spread food out across the bottom as this "should" stop them fighting over it.

Sherlock