spiorad

Hi Folks,

I'm a newbie to this hobby, got my neighbor's 15 gal tank with 1 dojo loach (about 6 inches) and 2 siamese algae eaters (about 5 and 3 inches). I don't think the algae eaters ate much algae as the tank was filled with algae when I got it but I've since cleaned it up. My neighbor said the algae eaters both started the same small size but the bigger one was aggressive to the smaller one so got more food and I have observed this when I feed them.

I'm thinking of removing the bigger algae eater (would a LFS take it as a trade in?) and adding another fish or two. Any suggestions on what kind? Any suggestions on what I should add inside besides fish?

One other thing. I tested the water and everything was ok except the ph is up around 7.8 - 8.2. Should I bring it down?

Thanks. This is fun.

Jason

Attached Images

	IMG_2016.JPG (52.6 KB, 21 views)
	IMG_2019.JPG (52.1 KB, 14 views)
	IMG_2022.JPG (50.9 KB, 12 views)

COBettaCouple

Welcome to Fishlore.

It's best to keep the pH stable so I'd leave it as is - the pH altering chemicals can be a lot harder on the fish.

Fish Addict

Make sure that those are real SAEs if you say the tnnk was covered with algae...

Lucy

Hey, Welcome to Fish Lore

Congrats on the tank, it's nice looking. I like solid blue background, I have one on my betta tank. (It's actually a peice of poster board lol.)

I think I'd add some taller plants in the back to hide the heater and filter and some sort of center peice decoration.

Check the profiles of the fish you plan on keeping and/or adding and get to what they prefer.

Butters

you should get some cherry barbs, I got 4 of these guys the other day and I love them already! they are so incredibly active, except the fat female so im watching her closley. They love to try and swim up the filter current and they hang around that all day long. so, theres my

Richard

Welcome to 'The Lore'.. off the bat I'd tell you give away the Algae Eaters and get another Dojo Loach, and watch the magic happen!.. Dojos are pretty special and will have you running for your cam every minute when they have company.. a fifteen gal though, can only take one other Dojo to avoid the overcrowding situation, but it's doable

ThisGuy

The LFS might take the SAE they look like real ones from the picture, make sure you call or go into the store and make sure they will take them before bringing them in. I had a heck of a time getting mine(SAE), they are not all that common because from what i understand its almost impossible to tank breed them.


Welcome to fishlore

Ryan

spiorad

Thanks for the welcome and suggestions. I took a better measurment and it's actually 20 gallons, not 15. So far I took out the bigger algae eater and added 6 serpae tetras and 6 long-fin zebra danios. I love how the tetras school about.

Charmaine

Hey! Welcome and enjoy.

Shawnie

The never ending debate...to me, they DONT look like SAE they look like the imfamous false's LOL check this link out http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/ ..the pic is hard to tell but to me it looks like it has that golden line above the black stripe and the stripe doesnt go from his nose down to the end of his tail....if its the fals one, they are nawty critters ....very nawty...so keep an eye on the remaing one and maybe look at it a bit closer...maybe a better pic might help more also goodluck