Pleco vs. Chinese Algae eater

[Suzie Q]

(Copied from old forum)

Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:31 pm

Which is a better fish? I have had both before and have had better luck with the Chinese algae eater. My tanks don't grow much algae, and I lost several plecos (common ugly brownish/black kind) before I found the algae eater...I did buy algae tablets, but the plecos did not touch them. My algae eaters would eat any fallen foods plus the algae...is this normal behavior? All of my fish have been weirdos...the one pleco that lasted 2 yrs, would come to the surface and roll over on its back to be hand fed flake food. I don't know if this was good for him or not, but he did live the longest. I don't buy plecos anymore! I don't have any algae eaters yet as my tank is now converted to a community tank instead of a breeding tank.

[carlrs]

Actually I would recommend an Otto Cat for your smaller aquariums. They are not aggresive (usually) and will not outgrow your current aquariums.

Carl

[bettachris]

niether, CAE(chinese algae eatter) will grow about 12 inches and even small ones will be harmful to other fish, i often see them lach onto other fish and act like leeches.

Plecos, depends on which type you get. The common pleco will grow to about 24 inches and some, so a huge tank si needed. Generally fancy plecos will not eat algae as well as the common pleco.

Ottos would be best for a small tank, but again ottos are alittle more on the sensivtive side, so water quality may play an issue.

Mollies, mollies are often over looked for their algae eatting abilities.

It also depends on what type of algae it is.