MyraAlam
Fish Fanatic
another option in regards to algae (along wilt TONS of other health benefits for the fish) would be the addition of a uv sterilizer. i use them on just about all of my tanks. and even the ones outside in direct sunlight, do not grow algae.
a couple of bala sharks will be fine in your 180. they average around 14", and at adult sizes, a 72" tank is suggested. and thats what you have with the 180 and theyre very peaceful fish.
blind cave tetras are usually peaceful as well. ive never heard of them being fin nippers. id actually be more concerned about the rams if they end up breeding. but with a 6' tank, they will be able to defend a small area for themselves, while leaving enough room for your other fish to retreat to.
as far as glass cats, im not sure. i dont really keep small fish, so im probably not the best person to ask about them. the only reason i know anything about blind cave tetras is because i was deciding between them and my exodons a while back. (but once i got the exodons, it was no contest). im sure there are other people here who are well versed in small fish that could help you out. i mostly keep large angry fish. lol
"large angry fish" hahaha I see Despite that, you've been giving great advice I think I'll be going with the glass cats rather than the balas. Personally, I would prefer the balas, however, if I get 5-6 and they all get to be 14", I'm sort of worried about my cardinals starting to disappear one by one. Do you think that would happen? The loaches get big too, but as you said, it takes years. Moreover, even if the loaches were of that size I've heard that they're quite nice about not snacking on other tankmates.