How Many Siamese Algae Eaters

[Thommo]

Hi all,

Just wondering what peoples recommendations are as to how many SAE's to have in a 375L community tank.

CHEERS

 

[Gemmylou]

they are best kept singly or in groups of 5 or 6

 

[Spishkey]

oh eck what happens if you keep just 2 or three do they fight?

 

[Gemmylou]

they can get a little terrortorial, not as bad a chinese algae eaters though, however that never stopped me!

 

[Thommo]

CHEERS for the advice

Any recommendations as to how many SAE I would need to keep my tank looking spiffy or just start out with 5-6 and add more in the future if they are not doing a good enough job?

 

[Socks]

CHEERS for the advice

Any recommendations as to how many SAE I would need to keep my tank looking spiffy or just start out with 5-6 and add more in the future if they are not doing a good enough job?

5-6 will do far better than a good enough job as far as keeping algae down.
I recently had to move 2 to my 75 gallon tank on account of having to get rid of their old tank.My 75 gallon had lots of black hair algae covering all the rocks and top sides of the wood.They ate ALL of it with-in 2 weeks,and they keep it trimmed down so's you can't even tell there is any in the tank at all.

 

[Thommo]

CHEERS for the advice

Any recommendations as to how many SAE I would need to keep my tank looking spiffy or just start out with 5-6 and add more in the future if they are not doing a good enough job?

5-6 will do far better than a good enough job as far as keeping algae down.
I recently had to move 2 to my 75 gallon tank on account of having to get rid of their old tank.My 75 gallon had lots of black hair algae covering all the rocks and top sides of the wood.They ate ALL of it with-in 2 weeks,and they keep it trimmed down so's you can't even tell there is any in the tank at all.

Thanks for the feedback Socks

Sounds like 5 will be more than plenty then.

 

[Truck]

theyll eat algae, up until they hit maturity, then they'll prey on fish.

 

[Socks]

theyll eat algae, up until they hit maturity, then they'll prey on fish.

Thats not true. True SAE still eat lots of algae when they are fully grown.However all of the fish that are look alikes (and CAE) do stop eating algae and/or become aggressive as they reach maturity.
I'd suggest searching many sites and many pics to make %100 sure you know how to ID true SAE befor you buy them.

 

[Truck]

sorry thats CAE isnt it