Black Beard Algae (your advise needed)

[86 ssinit]

Yes my cherry shrimp do the same thing. Though I usually leave it in their tank for a week.

 

[AeroSun7]

I've been dosing with Excel and the BBA has started to turn pink and die! I am unfortunately not able to get those shrimp in my area, but will make an effort to pick some up next time I can get them!

 

[imba]

Spot dosing excel works everytime. Just make sure not to overdose.

 

[AeroSun7]

Spot dosing excel works everytime. Just make sure not to overdose.

Trying not to overdose. It only took a few short days for the BBA to turn purple (which I'm assuming means theyre dying)...

 

[Letsfish]

I have overdosed plants by spraying them with full strength Excel. On the other hand I have dosed tanks 2X/3X the recommended dose without any adverse effects.

 

[ryanr]

Hi, welcome to Fishlore.

Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) are probably the best fish for eradicating BBA, but this only possible if you have a large enough tank. Be careful though SAE are often mis-labelled, this specific species is the only one known to eat BBA.

Rather than more stock, I definitely recommend the target dosing using Excel.... Worked a treat for me
Black Beard Algae vs Seachem Excel

That said, BBA is often linked to instable CO2 levels in the tank and can be controlled. "The best way to combat Brush algae is by maintaining CO2 at 30ppm, nitrates at 15ppm and phosphates at 0.5ppm. " Aquarium Algae ID (updated May6th '10 Surface Skum)

However, I find just maintaining a stable CO2 level is fine along with adequate flow in the tank.

 

[AeroSun7]

Hi, welcome to Fishlore.

Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) are probably the best fish for eradicating BBA, but this only possible if you have a large enough tank. Be careful though SAE are often mis-labelled, this specific species is the only one known to eat BBA.

Rather than more stock, I definitely recommend the target dosing using Excel.... Worked a treat for me
Black Beard Algae vs Seachem Excel

That said, BBA is often linked to instable CO2 levels in the tank and can be controlled. "The best way to combat Brush algae is by maintaining CO2 at 30ppm, nitrates at 15ppm and phosphates at 0.5ppm. " Aquarium Algae ID (updated May6th '10 Surface Skum)

However, I find just maintaining a stable CO2 level is fine along with adequate flow in the tank.

Thank you for your reply! Now, would you recommend I buy a CO2 injection system?

 

[ryanr]

Thank you for your reply! Now, would you recommend I buy a CO2 injection system?

No, not necessarily. It depends what plants you have, and whether they will benefit from CO2. That is, a medium to high tech setup with higher demand plants, or a basic, low tech setup with say Java fern, anubias and other low demand plants.

You need to be aware of the balance between nutrients (Nitrate, Phosphate, Potassium - aka NPK), lighting and CO2. Simply adding CO2 could make things worse if not balanced correctly. And could be detrimental to live stock if the plants can't take up the CO2 being injected. As a general guide adding CO2 can often mean changing lighting, extending photo periods etc so that photosynthesis can absorb the CO2, and then, because the plants are growing faster, may necessitate dosing of supplements.

 

[david1978]

Wait your hesitant to use peroxide which just breaks down into water and oxygen but have no issue dumping in excel?

 

[KribensisLover1]

I have a 40 breeder. I have two small angels, 7 six month old Kribs, and 16 red eye tetras. I also have black beard algae in my tank. I will keep the lights off more, yet is there any fish I can get to help rid the tank of this algae in a tank WITHOUT a lid? The tank has no lid.

 

[mattgirl]

I have been told siamese algae eaters will eat this eyesore. If I can ever source some I hope to find out if they will get rid of mine.

 

[KribensisLover1]

I have been told siamese algae eaters will eat this eyesore. If I can ever source some I hope to find out if they will get rid of mine.

Would they be okay with no lid? And how many to get? Thank you!

 

[StarGirl]

Yes SAE definitely do I got 2 and the BBA is gone. Not a trace anywhere. They work ....you just have to have a big enough tank. Mine still eat it. They are not jumpers from what Ive seen. I love them! So cute too.

 

[mattgirl]

Yes SAE definitely do I got 2 and the BBA is gone. Not a trace anywhere. They work ....you just have to have a big enough tank. Mine still eat it. They are not jumpers from what Ive seen. I love them! So cute too.

Thank you for this. Like KribensisLover1 I have no lids on my tanks so it is good to know they are not jumpers.

 

[KribensisLover1]

I am so d

Yes SAE definitely do I got 2 and the BBA is gone. Not a trace anywhere. They work ....you just have to have a big enough tank. Mine still eat it. They are not jumpers from what Ive seen. I love them! So cute too.

I am so relieved TY! I hate to add more fish and I didn’t want to mess with the mating Kribs but the BBA is gross. This tank is the only one with issues and I leave the lights on like 8 or more hours a day (bc I’m not always at this house). Is it the lighting that causes BBA? And tomorrow is weekly water change. Should I just leave it or remove the fake plant and wash it? It’s only on the one plant as of now.

 

[mattgirl]

Since it is just on the fake plant I would pull it out and give it a bleach or hydrogen peroxide dip. Once dead just try to scrub it off. I know how hard it is to get it off plastic. It is growing on the plastic pieces of my filters and is difficult to get off there.

I could be wrong but I don't think this stuff is affected by the amount of light it gets or doesn't get.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Since it is just on the fake plant I would pull it out and give it a bleach or hydrogen peroxide dip. Once dead just try to scrub it off. I know how hard it is to get it off plastic. It is growing on the plastic pieces of my filters and is difficult to get off there.

I could be wrong but I don't think this stuff is affected by the amount of light it gets or doesn't get.

Sorry but do you know why I have it here? My show tank is at my parents house and this tank is at my fiancé’s. I’m just saying they are in two separate places but the ph here is the exact same. I’m so upset I didn’t know it was hard to get rid of I assumed I would brush it off this plant and be done. It just showed up.

Sorry but do you know why I have it here? My show tank is at my parents house and this tank is at my fiancé’s. I’m just saying they are in two separate places but the ph here is the exact same. I’m so upset I didn’t know it was hard to get rid of I assumed I would brush it off this plant and be done. It just showed up.

Will adding another filter with nothing in it help!

 

[mattgirl]

Another filter probably won't help. I don't know where this stuff comes from. I have to assume mine started from one of the plants I added without checking close enough before putting it in my tank. I am battling it in both my 55 and my 5.5 gallon tank.

Sadly BBA doesn't just brush off. It grabs hold and has to be scraped off. Even then you can never scrape all of it off.

 

[KribensisLover1]

I have been told siamese algae eaters will eat this eyesore. If I can ever source some I hope to find out if they will get rid of mine.

Are either of these the right algae eaters? I’m going first thing tomorrow. I am grossed out. I hope they are the correct type. I don’t trust the people at the store to tell me. And you say to get two? Do they mess with any spawns?

 

[mattgirl]

No, neither of these are siamese algae eaters. They have a solid black stripe from head to tail. They also have clear fins. If the fish you see have black fins then they are not true SAE's. You may want to do a google search to get a clear picture in your mind so you will know them when you see them and can get the right ones.

I don't think SAE will bother any other fish in your tank.

 

[StarGirl]

NO! those are Chinese Algae eaters. You ONLY want Siamese Algae Eaters.

I don't think SAE will bother any other fish in your tank.

Nope!

 

[KribensisLover1]

Phew thank you both! they didn’t look like SAE BUT I wanted to be sure. Also it says that over feeding causes it, and I’m only one year into keeping fish. I’ve never had so many (like the tetras) who take all the food quickly. So I overfeed to compensate for the smaller kribs. My show tank gets fed probably 3–4 times a week. And much less. So I’ll turn the lights lower bc I have OTHER algae, and then stop over feeding, try to get it off my plastic plants, and then look for SAE ASAP lol. OH’ and I have some plants coming in the mail. Will adding those help this or should I put them in my other tank for now?

 

[mattgirl]

Phew thank you both! they didn’t look like SAE BUT I wanted to be sure. Also it says that over feeding causes it, and I’m only one year into keeping fish. I’ve never had so many (like the tetras) who take all the food quickly. So I overfeed to compensate for the smaller kribs. My show tank gets fed probably 3–4 times a week. And much less. So I’ll turn the lights lower bc I have OTHER algae, and then stop over feeding, try to get it off my plastic plants, and then look for SAE ASAP lol. OH’ and I have some plants coming in the mail. Will adding those help this or should I put them in my other tank for now?

Plants will just give the BBA another place to grow. I would put the plants in another tank until you get rid of it or you have some SAE's to take care of it for you. I actually don't over feed my tanks and still battle this stuff.

 

[Redshark1]

I don't get BBA in my planted tank so maybe the plants outcompete it.

I did have lots of it in my Clown Loach tank on the resin wood that I have.

Bristlenoses failed to impact it significantly and bred too rapidly.

I now take out the resin wood every two weeks and paint it with EasyCarbo (gluteraldehyde), rinse and return.

The BBA soon disappears if it is killed in this kind of way and now my resin wood is always completely as new.

Its interesting to know that SAE will clear it. I might try this as an experiment.

My Sailfin Suckermouth Catfish ensured there was not a trace of it. However, he was traded and I then only saw his total value when the BBA proliferated.

 

[KribensisLover1]

I don't get BBA in my planted tank so maybe the plants outcompete it.

I did have lots of it in my Clown Loach tank on the resin wood that I have.

Bristlenoses failed to impact it significantly and bred too rapidly.

I now take out the resin wood every two weeks and paint it with EasyCarbo (gluteraldehyde), rinse and return.

The BBA soon disappears if it is killed in this kind of way and now my resin wood is always completely as new.

Its interesting to know that SAE will clear it. I might try this as an experiment.

My Sailfin Suckermouth Catfish ensured there was not a trace of it. However, he was traded and I then only saw his total value when the BBA proliferated.

Okay is that a pleco? And can I have one without a lid? NOBODY within two hours of me has SAE. only flying foxes and regular Chinese algae eaters. I called everywhere and am overreacting but still

 

[mattgirl]

I have bristle nose plecos in both tanks that have BBA. They don't touch it. Some folks have reported their plecos jumping out of their tank but so far none of mine have and I don't have lids in either tank.

 

[KribensisLover1]

I have bristle nose plecos in both tanks that have BBA. They don't touch it. Some folks have reported their plecos jumping out of their tank but so far none of mine have and I don't have lids in either tank.

Shoot I saw sailfish and googled and looks like a Pleco. It’s so nasty lol so In the meantime im doing lower lights for much shorter times and will do my weekly water change and take the plants out and clean. But I want some darn SAE

I have bristle nose plecos in both tanks that have BBA. They don't touch it. Some folks have reported their plecos jumping out of their tank but so far none of mine have and I don't have lids in either tank.

I set up an old empty AC 30 on the other side of my rank. My AC 70 was nasty and dumping stuff everywhere even tho the tank is 3 months old. I know we said the filter won’t help and I also turned on my air pump but the bba is SO new (like this week) that I’m trying anything. I have to do my weekly water change tomorrow but my python is at my other place so I am getting it today. I will say I didn’t vacuum the substrate as well the last two weeks bc I had new babies. But I will today as the father (a Krib) ate the babies and paired up wirh another female. Shocking I know. But he’s mating again now but I’ll work more around him. Im scared the filter (30) could suck up babies Bc it has no sponge on the end but I also feel the sponge drastically reduces flow. I’m so sorry to bother you I’m just hating this PBA and quarantine makes me have nothing else to do but concentrate on it!

 

[mattgirl]

I set up an old empty AC 30 on the other side of my rank. My AC 70 was nasty and dumping stuff everywhere even tho the tank is 3 months old. I know we said the filter won’t help and I also turned on my air pump but the bba is SO new (like this week) that I’m trying anything. I have to do my weekly water change tomorrow but my python is at my other place so I am getting it today. I will say I didn’t vacuum the substrate as well the last two weeks bc I had new babies. But I will today as the father (a Krib) ate the babies and paired up wirh another female. Shocking I know. But he’s mating again now but I’ll work more around him. Im scared the filter (30) could suck up babies Bc it has no sponge on the end but I also feel the sponge drastically reduces flow. I’m so sorry to bother you I’m just hating this PBA and quarantine makes me have nothing else to do but concentrate on it!

Adding an additional filter is never a bad idea. One can't have too much filtration so go for it. Stick some poly fill in the extra filter and it should help polish the water.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Adding an additional filter is never a bad idea. One can't have too much filtration so go for it. Stick some poly fill in the extra filter and it should help polish the water.

Sorry last thing
Is that mean bc it will (the filter) suck up the baby kribs? Two weeks ago a mated
Pair from a group of babies born together months ago had babies. And then I guess the dad ate them and remated. So more babies soon I guess. I can use a sponge on the intake but I prefer not. Maybe I’ll keep an eye out for babies and then turn it off.
also this IS bba right ?!

 

[mattgirl]

If I had fry I might consider adding a pre-filter sponge to keep them from being sucked into it or at least some fine netting although I did neither to the HOB I have in my pleco fry tank. As far as I can tell none have been sucked up into it. Krib fry may be much smaller than these little guys though.

Yep, that is BBA.

 

[KribensisLover1]

If I had fry I might consider adding a pre-filter sponge to keep them from being sucked into it or at least some fine netting although I did neither to the HOB I have in my pleco fry tank. As far as I can tell none have been sucked up into it. Krib fry may be much smaller than these little guys though.

Yep, that is BBA.

O joy. Of my 7 kribs now 3 were sucked into the filter when the sponge fell off a tiny bit. So I’ll put one on. They haven’t had babies yet and babies were here like 2 weeks ago so it seems wild they might come soon.

If I had fry I might consider adding a pre-filter sponge to keep them from being sucked into it or at least some fine netting although I did neither to the HOB I have in my pleco fry tank. As far as I can tell none have been sucked up into it. Krib fry may be much smaller than these little guys though.

Yep, that is BBA.

Thank you so so much for all your help. I’ll keep you posted after I do all the suggestions!! They removed my SAE post for
Some reason.

 

[mattgirl]

Thank you so so much for all your help. I’ll keep you posted after I do all the suggestions!! They removed my SAE post for
Some reason.

You are so very welcome. Yes, please do let us know how things are coming along.

That's strange. I am seeing both of your threads about wanting to buy SAE's in the Buy, sell, trade , free section of the forum. Did you post about them somewhere else?

 

[KribensisLover1]

You are so very welcome. Yes, please do let us know how things are coming along.

That's strange. I am seeing both of your threads about wanting to buy SAE's in the Buy, sell, trade , free section of the forum. Did you post about them somewhere else?

That’s so weird! Look!! And I will thank you again!

 

[StarGirl]

I got the same messages.

 

[GlennO]

First thing I'd do is take out the fake plant and bleach it.

 

[KribensisLover1]

First thing I'd do is take out the fake plant and bleach it.

I was wondering—does it spread? If I left it in would it make a difference than if I just chucked it?

 

[mattgirl]

That’s so weird! Look!! And I will thank you again! View attachment 705590

It is strange since both threads are still there. Maybe someone thought there was a problem with your thread, sent the message to you and then realized there really wasn't a problem with how or where you posted it and left it there. I just hope someone that has a line on where to get some SAE's will see it and help you out.

I know there are some places on line that offer them up for sale but I can't justify paying the high shipping charges most of them charge. I am hoping Aqua Huna will get some back in stock soon. Their price on fish seem to be reasonable and they don't charge outrageous shipping charges.

 

[GlennO]

I was wondering—does it spread? If I left it in would it make a difference than if I just chucked it?

Yes it can spread but bleaching will kill it, no need to chuck it. If conditions are right for it, it will grow again and appear elsewhere on other things in the tank. If you don’t have any live plants limit lighting to the minimum necessary for viewing the tank and ensure that you keep up with water changes to minimise any nutrients in the water.

 

[KribensisLover1]

It is strange since both threads are still there. Maybe someone thought there was a problem with your thread, sent the message to you and then realized there really wasn't a problem with how or where you posted it and left it there. I just hope someone that has a line on where to get some SAE's will see it and help you out.

I know there are some places on line that offer them up for sale but I can't justify paying the high shipping charges most of them charge. I am hoping Aqua Huna will get some back in stock soon. There price on fish seem to be reasonable and they don't charge outrageous shipping charges.

Totally. ESP for two fish.

Yes it can spread but bleaching will kill it, no need to chuck it. If conditions are right for it, it will grow again and appear elsewhere on other things in the tank. If you don’t have any live plants limit lighting to the minimum necessary for viewing the tank and ensure that you keep up with water changes to minimise any nutrients in the water.

Thank you! Will do. I already have the dimmer on and lights low and off MUCH more. Bc my acrylic tank at home has lights off except for 4 hours a day and more sunlight exposure and is all good. The glass tank is from when I first set it up. Also does this lab have a shrunken belly? No right

It is strange since both threads are still there. Maybe someone thought there was a problem with your thread, sent the message to you and then realized there really wasn't a problem with how or where you posted it and left it there. I just hope someone that has a line on where to get some SAE's will see it and help you out.

I know there are some places on line that offer them up for sale but I can't justify paying the high shipping charges most of them charge. I am hoping Aqua Huna will get some back in stock soon. There price on fish seem to be reasonable and they don't charge outrageous shipping charges.

I should set up my sponge filter! I totally forgot’

It is strange since both threads are still there. Maybe someone thought there was a problem with your thread, sent the message to you and then realized there really wasn't a problem with how or where you posted it and left it there. I just hope someone that has a line on where to get some SAE's will see it and help you out.

I know there are some places on line that offer them up for sale but I can't justify paying the high shipping charges most of them charge. I am hoping Aqua Huna will get some back in stock soon. Their price on fish seem to be reasonable and they don't charge outrageous shipping charges.

Okay so just an update to you and GlennO. I got amazing plants and put one in my show tank (still in the foam—need to go back to that house and remove) and then had to leave so I had to put the new plants into this tank (wirh BBA). I did bleach the fake plant and it worked wonders so I am so grateful! I wound up not putting it back in and that’s bc I had no room after I planted! I wound up putting the new java fern back into the black little pot it came in without the foam and then put that into a pot. But without any sand or soil. So must fix that. I am now so confused about lighting. I kkow you said that the new plants are just places for BBA to grow so eek! Not sure if I should add excel?! I have two filters running one has nothing but carbon in it but just to keep some flow. The fish are def spawning bc my one angel is missing some back fins. The smaller angel is fine so I know that it’s bc the first angel doesn’t move away. Here’s the soil I have. I know you told me not to add plants so if you ignore me I totally get it. LoL. Also I will set
Up my sponge filter today bc why not? It’s huge so I’m planning to use my smaller one. Also why the heck don’t people carry SAE?! Both at petsmart and Petco and huge specialty shops!!

 

[mattgirl]

I would never ignore someone because they don't follow any suggestion I make. I really hope the BBA doesn't grab ahold of your new plants. Keep in mind, I could be totally wrong and maybe the new plants will use whatever the BBA needs to grow. Maybe it won't have enough to eat and will die out. I really really hope it will die.

 

[GlennO]

If you now have live plants you’ll need to keep the lights on for about 8 hours daily and add some ferts. As for your Excel query, it can definitely help with algae management especially in low tech (non CO2 injected) tanks. See how you go.

 

[KribensisLover1]

I would never ignore someone because they don't follow any suggestion I make. I really hope the BBA doesn't grab ahold of your new plants. Keep in mind, I could be totally wrong and maybe the new plants will use whatever the BBA needs to grow. Maybe it won't have enough to eat and will die out. I really really hope it will die.

Thank you! And GlennO. I hope it goes away bc I cleaned the only thing it was on. There’s a touch on my pagoda decor tho. I didn’t Overfeed today at all and I unplugged the smaller filter and started a sponge filter up. I am not thrilled about having to keep lights on. I see excel says to dose weekly (with every water change). Right now I use prime at water changes and double stresscoat bc of the torn fins. I’ll use excel too. Thank you guys so much!!!!!

 

[GlennO]

Should be ok. Seachem recommends to use Excel at 5ml per 40l after a >40% water change and 5ml per 200l daily or very second day thereafter. But you can tailor it to suit your circumstances and you can try it weekly. In that case I would add it via spot dosing over any algae rather than just squirting it into the water column. Hopefully that will be enough to keep your BBA under control. The main thing is not to overdose.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Should be ok. Seachem recommends to use Excel at 5ml per 40l after a >40% water change and 5ml per 200l daily or very second day thereafter. But you can tailor it to suit your circumstances and you can try it weekly. In that case I would add it via spot dosing over any algae rather than just squirting it into the water column. Hopefully that will be enough to keep your BBA under control. The main thing is not to overdose.

Thank you! So so much. Is this dying already? I had to order the excel so it hasn’t arrived yet. UH OH was I supposed to get flourish plant (yes) or excel bio available carbon or excel potassium

I would never ignore someone because they don't follow any suggestion I make. I really hope the BBA doesn't grab ahold of your new plants. Keep in mind, I could be totally wrong and maybe the new plants will use whatever the BBA needs to grow. Maybe it won't have enough to eat and will die out. I really really hope it will die.

So to you and GlennO who have been amazing. I am getting excel in the mail today. Can I add it even tho I’m not doing a water change? I changed the water on Monday and do it weekly yet am worried about the plants. Would it be okay to dose without a change? And I used a timer for the lights so it’s on 9–1 and then 4–8. If that’s enough. Knock on wood the BBA isn’t everywhere at this time. I got a lid today bc I had some jumpers. I hope the hinge area doesn’t mess up the plants or the lighting! TY so much you guys are the best.

 

[mattgirl]

Tank looks amazing You can go ahead and add Excel at any time. I have found that some plants don't like it though. Between it and hydrogen peroxide I managed to destroy both anacharis and hornwort. Some folks have reported vals not doing well when using Excel. Mine have gradually gotten used to the excel I add daily and are starting to grow now.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Tank looks amazing You can go ahead and add Excel at any time. I have found that some plants don't like it though. Between it and hydrogen peroxide I managed to destroy both anacharis and hornwort. Some folks have reported vals not doing well when using Excel. Mine have gradually gotten used to the excel I add daily and are starting to grow now.

Thank you! These are the plants I have. I am
Super new to this.

Tank looks amazing You can go ahead and add Excel at any time. I have found that some plants don't like it though. Between it and hydrogen peroxide I managed to destroy both anacharis and hornwort. Some folks have reported vals not doing well when using Excel. Mine have gradually gotten used to the excel I add daily and are starting to grow now.

Hello! So to you andGlennO so I posted a comment on another BBA thread about how bleach worked (TY!) and somebody told me (we haven’t been chatting so she doesn’t know tank deets) to get 4 SAE (which I finally found an hour away—they’ll be in tomorrow and ill pick up Sunday!). How many do you think? StarGirl said she got 2. ********Also thank you so much. I’m neurotic about this stuff and feel so lucky and grateful you have taken the time to walk me through this. It’s so kind and SO SO highly appreciated.*******

A recap of my tank below. I’ve said it a million times—posted again below as a reference.

tank
40B
13 lamp eye tetras (red eye is same right?)
7 Kribs (5 months old, 6 f, mated pair)
2 Small Angelfishes
AC 70
AC 30 running with carbon only (unplugged again, yet I can start it up if needed).
Sponge filter.

Tested water last night. It’s 7.4 ph, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 5 nitrates. It’s actually the best it’s ever been.

Hello! So to you andGlennO so I posted a comment on another BBA thread about how bleach worked (TY!) and somebody told me (we haven’t been chatting so she doesn’t know tank deets) to get 4 SAE (which I finally found an hour away—they’ll be in tomorrow and ill pick up Sunday!). How many do you think? StarGirl said she got 2. ********Also thank you so much. I’m neurotic about this stuff and feel so lucky and grateful you have taken the time to walk me through this. It’s so kind and SO SO highly appreciated.*******

A recap of my tank below. I’ve said it a million times—posted again below as a reference.

tank
40B
13 lamp eye tetras (red eye is same right?)
7 Kribs (5 months old, 6 f, mated pair)
2 Small Angelfishes
AC 70
AC 30 running with carbon only (unplugged again, yet I can start it up if needed).
Sponge filter.

Tested water last night. It’s 7.4 ph, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 5 nitrates. It’s actually the best it’s ever been.

mattgirl just edited the last post to TY so much.

 

[mattgirl]

Someone that has them will be able to answer the question of how many better than me but I am thinking maybe 3? I am not sure how big they get. StarGirl don't you have some? Do you know how big they get?

 

[KribensisLover1]

Someone that has them will be able to answer the question of how many better than me but I am thinking maybe 3? I am not sure how big they get. StarGirl don't you have some? Do you know how big they get?

Great question. Ty! I’ll ask the person who said 4 Too bc I never replied.

 

[mattgirl]

Google tells me they can grow up to 6 inches and can live up to 10 years.

 

[Drewbacca]

I had a BBA problem and bought a SAE for it. It ate the newer stuff, but the older BBA that had been there for awhile wasn't touched. Amano shrimp work too, although I haven't tried them yet. BBA usually comes from too much light. While an algae eater can help control it, you should really get at the source. You can either decrease the light timer on the tank, or try another method to reduce the light. I have a Finnex 24/7 light that I wanted to continue to run on 24/7 mode. So, I added some Amazon Frogbit and Salvinia to it. This multiplied and reduced the amount of light getting to the rest of the tank. I'm BBA free now.

Also, one more thing about SAEs. They jump. I would not put them in an uncovered tank. Also, be sure you're getting an SAE. Many LFS and other stores will sell Flying Foxes as SAE. Flying Foxes can be aggressive and aren't that great at eating algae. Mine sold them as Siamese Flying Foxes, but they were the correct fish. Do some research online about how to tell the difference.