getting ready to start up my new tank, but first i would like to do a little research.
Hooray!!! So few people just jump into things and don't research. You will be so much better off.
It's possible to have a tank with no algae at all and not need an algae eater. Proper feeding and proper lighting are the main keys to no algae. If you plan to have live plants, then finding the right amount of time to have the lights on is important. Usually about 10 to 12 hours a day is about right. The longer the lights are on, the more likely you will have an algae problem. If you arent going to have live plants, then only turn the lights on when you are there to view the fish. The fish dont need the light when you aren't there and are much happier with them off.
Also, make sure you don't overfeed. Too much uneaten food ends up rotting and creating more ammonia which will become nitrate in the end. High nitrates feed algae. Do you know about the nitrogen cycle where ammonia (fish waste) becomes nitrite which then becomes nitrate?
As far as trying to get an algae eater to start with, it's difficult to do as different fish eat different types of algae. Plecos are generally good but get very large so you need a big tank. Siamese algae eaters are also good and will eat flakes or other types of food if there isnt any algae. They are sometimes hard to find. Also, if you decide on SAEs, make sure you get the real thing and not one of the 2 look-alikes: Flying Foxes and False SAEs. Neither of those eat very much algae.
Here is a link to a site with a good picture of each one and description of the distinguishing features. I have 3 SAEs and they do a very good job of keeping the tank algae free. Florida flag fish are also said to be good algae eaters but I've never had any experience with them.
Algae eating shrimp are also an option depending on the type fish you will have. Obviously they don't work with come fish which would see them as dinner. But in a normal tropical tank they should be fine.
