Bristlenose catfish

[New Boy]

I've got a 50 us gallon tank that gets lots of brown algae. It has 5 tiger barbs, 5 lions cove/yellow labs, 3 parrot fish and 2 raphael cats. Ph is about 7.8 and hardness (both types) is up around the 13/14 level

Would a bristlenose reduce brown algae? (I also get some green algae but not as much)

Should bristlenoses be kept on their own or is it best to have a couple?

Will bristlenose be ok with my other fish? esp. the raphael cats?

I can't keep bogwood due to the high ph necessary, are bristlenoses ok without it as I've heard it forms part of their diet?

I've heard they grow to 5 inches max - that true?

Any way to sex them?

All advice appreciated
Thanks

 

[Feline]

Hi! The only fish I heard that will eat brown algae is Siamese algae eater. So for bristlenose, idk. N yes they'll grow to approxiamately 5".

Sori couldn't answer ur other questions...

 

[Gibbo]

Most fish tend to leave brown 'algae' alone because it is actually bacterial, not plant derived. Check nitrate/phosphate levels and feeding regimes. Also the amount of decaying organic matter in your tank (plants?) and lighting levels may also be a factor.