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I've kept common plecos and albino bristlenoses for keeping my aquariums clean. I've got a new tank or 2 and I need a few more for cleaning, but the tanks are small and I don't want a common pleco. The lfs has 3" bristlenose and 2" rubbernose plecos. Which is better for eating all algae? If both are good I'll get a combo.

I like bristlenose better, personally. In my experience, they've aclimated quicker and eaten more algae than rubberlips.

Thanks! Keep em coming!

They're both really good. You won't need more than one fish per tank either way.

I'd base my decision on the other fish in the tank. RN like lower temperature than BN. They are also a bit more aggressive, and may be a better choice for fish slighty aggressive.

I may just get bristlenose. They seem to be easier to keep and they are better at cleaning. I keep my tanks at 78F or above and that is better for bristlenose too I guess.

Rubbernose is a Chateostoma species, which requires cool water and lots of oxygen. Given the right conditions, they are great fish.

But for general algae cleaning purpose, I'd say common bristlenose beats just about anything else.

On the account of agressiveness, I don't think rubbernoses are any better at defending themselves, bristlenoses do that quite well. They just don't go on the offencive very often.

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Mats

I purchased some bristlenose. I have 2 albinos and 3 regular. I've had the albinos for awhile and I know they do a great job. I just purchased the browns for my other tanks. I appreciate all the help b/c I was going to get rubbernose, just to get something different, until I read all the responces and the other info on them.