Sae, Flying Fox, Cae, False Sae ....what?

[craynerd]

Guys,

Need some help.

Gonna go to the LFS tomorrow pm and want a good algae eater. I have 3 ottos in the tank with some amano shrimp but i want something else in there for a while, even as a temp measure.

So, i`ve been doing my research and have to say my head is mashed. What the hell is the difference between a CAE, SAE, False SAE, Flying Fox !?!?

I am so confused, has anyone first hand experience and can tell me straight which is the best algae eater for hair algae and bba.
Or am i best adding another few ottos? Although i like ottos, i feel they take a while to get the job done. I was hoping to add something a little more heavy duty, and let it roam free for a while then maybe take it out before it gets too big.

Anyone any advice before tomorrow?

Chris

 

[George Farmer]

I'd personally avoid any SAE or similar in your size tank Chris, most grow over 4" and prefer to be groups or pairs at least.

Here's a good link that should answer most questions - http/www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/

Crossocheilus siamensis, the "true" Siamese Algae Eater is known as the only animal to eat BBA. Overdosing Seachem Flourish Excel works too.

Edit - just read as a possible temporary measure so C Siamensis may fit the bill.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

This is what SAE look like. Note how the black stripe goes all the way to the nose and into the tail-

 

[ulster exile]

Have a look HERE and whatever you do...don't listen to the LFS - a couple tried to sell me false SAE's as C Siamensis, swearing blind that's what they were...

Good luck

 

[CBBP]

These pictures and artical help as they are all the same axis.

http/www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/

EDIT: seems it was posted all ready.. opps!

 

[Liam]

Get the smallest (youngest) one you can, when they get older they are less keen on algae I have noticed.

 

[madcaow]

ive got 3 young Golden CAE's in my tank, they are so active. Cleaned the tank completely of diatoms in about 3 days.

Always cleaning, chasing eachother and cleaning the snail hah!

i realise they will get a bit nasty when they are bigger and even stop cleaning the algae up. The fish store said they will take them back when i am ready to get rid of them.

I want some Otos but cant for the life of me find any around here.

So i reckon if you just want them to clean the tank the CAE's or the SAE's would be rad when they are very young, but i would add more Otos.