Sydontis Or Bristlenose With Malawis? Which Is Best?

[totally tropical]

I am selling all my fish shortly and am going back to Malawis (had for 3 years then moved house). I will be keeping haps and peacocks rather than mbuna this time around.

Anyhow, I have a 300 litre tank and will possibly need bottom dwellers. I currently have 4 Bristlenoses (fairly large size, 1 male and 3 female) and wonder if I am best keeping them to keep algae in check or to buy sydontis catfish to scavenge leftovers and give a more natural Malawi feel. When I kept Malawis previously I had Bristlenoses, but they don't really do the job of scavenging do they?

Is it one or the other or both? Also, which is best with Malawis and how many would you advise to keep?

If you suggest Sydontis which species would you suggest other than Multipunctatus as I intend to breed Malawis and want to avoid eggs being eaten where possible.
Thank you.

 

[capester]

I'd go with ancistrus as then you can have peace of mind regarding eggs and young. Couldn't get some of the sand sifters or Dolphins even? Maybe just get some Tanganyikans instead as there are many different scavengers!

 

[the biffster]

i would go with the synodontis as bristlenoses are used to living
in water with a lower pH also they love to rasp away on things including eggs

 

[reignofcheese]

I would go with a group of Synodontis. Multipunctatus are perfect for Malawi's because they are active, social and very tough, and love the same rockscaping the malawis do. Bristlenoses could "work", but they really belong in a different biotope.