Don't Know Where This Should Go - Should I Keep My Golden Algae Ea

[GL-P]

This was a poor buy on my side because of lack of research. I bought a young golden algae eater and then after learning that it can get nasty when it matures, I'm wondering if I should return it. I believe there is a return policy and it's been only about a day.

I don't think my companions could deal with it. I have 8 halfbeaks and 2 corydoras in a 20G.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Tessla]

I'd definitely return him, they get nasty very quickly and a bit big for a 20 gallon to boot. Good thing you discovered their quirks so soon after buying him, I was stuck with an evil little bugger for a while myself.

 

[G.A]

Return him. They don't always become nasty, even when larger, but with Corydoras theres too much risk.
If you do keep him, make sure you feed some form of sinking pellets and that he has a cave to hide in. After that, aggression is down to the individual fish.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yup return him, the sooner you do it the more chance you have of the shop taking him back

 

[newtotropical]

Get your butt back t the shop!!!!!! If they wont take sneak him back SAS style......

 

[Torrean]

yeah you should definitly consider returning the little guy. If you want a nice peaceful algae eater that won't get too big go for a school of otto's (fragile little guys for the first couple months) or a rubbernose pleco. stay away from common plecs and sailfin plecs if you didn't already know that. Adult size is the most important thing to consider when stocking your tank. Then comes aggression, next comes swimming area (top middle bottom) then you should consider conspecific temperament (does the fish like hate or need other fish of the same species) I'm sure i left out some stuff.

 

[GL-P]

The algae eater got returned. The owner mentioned that if you have them on the right diet (some protein) that they won't be so bad. I didn't want to risk it with my prized halfbeaks in the tank.The algae eater did a nice job cleaning up though!

I've been thinking about ottos. Most plecs are too big and they are rather expensive for a new hobbyist like me. They definitely have the right temperament though.

Problem is, I went in without knowing what they have and had to rely on the shopkeeper.

If only every shop had an online database...

Greg L-P

 

[zoekin8yg]

Its probably worth deciding what you want through research and then phoning lfs's before popping in

 

[Torrean]

or just go in to the lfs and write down what you like then do some research...that way you know that they'll have the fish you set your heart on. Some lfs' will special order though so don't let that limit you too much.

 

[lilfishie]

if its an algae eating fish you want, i'd recommend a Bristlenose plec, the common variety get to about 5inch and they are cheap and should be fine in you tank, i have 2 juvi's in my 15 gallon, both female i hope (no more fry)

 

[GL-P]

Some lfs' will special order though so don't let that limit you too much.

That's what I did for the halfbeaks. Took awhile since they are rather special but I managed to get them all to survive.

if its an algae eating fish you want, i'd recommend a Bristlenose plec, the common variety get to about 5inch and they are cheap and should be fine in you tank, i have 2 juvi's in my 15 gallon, both female i hope (no more fry)

Very nice indeed. When I get the algae settled down and a few more plants, I'll pick up a pleco. I'm looking at the post "30 Plecos Under 8 Inches" for some guidance. I'm interested in something colorful. But that's another post...

Thanks guys!