Should I get an Algae eater?

[FlyinBrian]

Hi, my Malawi tank has been set up for over a month now, and I've noticed brown algae starting to appear on the rocks, gravel etc. Should I put an Algae eater in the tank now? If so, what type should I put in? I've read that you can get different types of algae. Mines is brown in colour. I have 10 small Malawi's in the tank, who all seem nice and healthy.

[smaug]

The brown algae is normal for a newer set up,it normally goes away after 3-5 months sooner if you really keep after your water change duties.Manual removal is also helpful.If your water is stable and your cycle is complete then yes ,you can add a pleco.What type depends on the size of your tank.

[Dixie]

I was going to ask the same thing...what size tank is it? With malawi it's best to add the algea eater while the malawi are young. Sometimes if you try to add one when they are bigger they will pick it's eyes out.

[Drip Loop]

Yea, stay away from compriceps. Mine literally ate the eyes out of "blindy" the pleco. But that only seemed to increase his appetite. Horrible way to learn a lesson though. Malawi Eye Biters as they are more commonly referred to are not a great fish to keep in my personal opinion for this reason. Just thought Id share my experience with this particular fish since someone mentioned the whole eye biting thing. I have not seen other cichlids do this, but I am sure some do.

[smcurry83]

I use two common pleco. Just know that they will get big, I think at least 12 inches, probably bigger. I just plan on selling them when they start getting too big, or using them as leverage against the misses to get a larger tank!!!