How do I ID the *real* algae eaters ?

Hello,

A while back I remember several discussions on the subject of algae
eaters. There seem to be a few fish that look similar, some of which eat
algae and some of which eat other fish ;-)

I would like to buy an efficient algae eater (or two, depending on *how*
efficient they are !!), but I currently have a very peaceful community
and don't want to upset the balance.

What fish would you suggest ? Anyone know the way to ID them accurately
?

Current fish :-
2 large golden gouramis
4 large tiger barbs
8 glowlight tetras
9 harlequin rasboras
3 synodontis velifer, one about 5", one about 4" and one about 3"

Tank is reasonably well planted, 150 litres, soft slightly acidic water,
120W lighting, DIY CO2 injection. Three large pieces of mopani wood, one
very large amazon sword, two small ones, assorted other small plants.

Any suggestions/info welcome. TIA

--
Alan Silver

I've never had luck with SAE's or CAE's. CAE's are devils, real pain in the
butt. SAE's would be nice of they stayed small, as they are very "playfull"
if you want to call it that. Mine loved chasing anything that would run from
it, which when he started chasing the bala's, wasn't very pretty.

I do have two recommendations. Clown Pleco, or other small breed pleco,
common plecos are great when small, but get to big to fast, and begin making
more of a mess than they clean up (poopoo).
My other recommendation is Otos. If you can find a good deal on them, get 6
of them, or more if you like. They stay small, can hardly even tell they're
in the tank, and always working, look cute in large schools.


"Alan Silver"
<alan-silver.DeleteThis@furry-ferret.prestwich-smile-gemach.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in
message news:+csIoQGeT+I$EwDW@nospamthankyou.spam...
> Hello,
>
> A while back I remember several discussions on the subject of algae
> eaters. There seem to be a few fish that look similar, some of which eat
> algae and some of which eat other fish ;-)
>
> I would like to buy an efficient algae eater (or two, depending on *how*
> efficient they are !!), but I currently have a very peaceful community
> and don't want to upset the balance.
>
> What fish would you suggest ? Anyone know the way to ID them accurately
> ?
>
> Current fish :-
> 2 large golden gouramis
> 4 large tiger barbs
> 8 glowlight tetras
> 9 harlequin rasboras
> 3 synodontis velifer, one about 5", one about 4" and one about 3"
>
> Tank is reasonably well planted, 150 litres, soft slightly acidic water,
> 120W lighting, DIY CO2 injection. Three large pieces of mopani wood, one
> very large amazon sword, two small ones, assorted other small plants.
>
> Any suggestions/info welcome. TIA
>
> --
> Alan Silver
>