Rainbow sharks

[Caitiepi]

I am interested in getting a rainbow shark to put in my tank, but I'm curious if I should wait until my juvenile SAEs have grown in size (they are maybe an inch and a half)? From what I've read, they are considered to be less aggressive than the redtail shark and aren't known to eat smaller fish. Anybody know if that's right?

[neon1423]

from my experiance rainbow sharks are much less agressive then redtails. But they still are quite agressive with other algea eaters/bottom feeders. I would personally wait till your SAE grows a bit more.

[Caitiepi]

Is it because the rainbow shark would eat them or just chase them all over the tank? And would it make a difference if I got a rainbow shark that was the same size or smaller than the SAEs? I did a bit of research since my first question and have seen a few people that say the two should not be kept together because they both are algae eaters.

[neon1423]

the two should not be kept together because they both are algae eaters.

Thats true of every algea eater out there in the sence that we don't put more algea eaters in a tank then the tank can handle. In my 55 gallon I have both a large red tail and a large SAE and they leave each other alone. Every now and then the redtail will get mad and chase the SAE a bit but neither seems any worse off. I think as long as the tank can accomadate both the rainbow and the SAE and they are the same size or the SAE is bigger it should be fine

[Caitiepi]

Right now I'm working with a 46 gallon tank but will be upgrading to a 75 in the next month or so. Should also add that I have two filters running on the tank, one for a 40 gallon and one for a 90 gallon. I also have two SAEs, both are around 1.5" mark atm. I do have a fair amount of coverage in the tank (plants, driftwood & other hiding spots) breaking up the line of sight. Oddly enough, I have a female Boesemani that tends to intercede if there is chasing going on in the tank. She's maybe 2-2.5" and has no problem standing up to my Denisons which are about twice her size. :p