Hey, what do you mean? It is not a vicious cycle!
The problem is that the vicious algae is constantly adding energy to the tank.
As I stated if you compare waste volume to algae volume the algae eaters are contributing by using algae energy to grow. I prefer plants to take care of light and excess salts over algae.
Sure they excrete waste but it is less energy than was present before in the form of algae(since they grow).
I am handling the problem by transforming algae to fish and waste, I prefer scavengers and waste over algae. Scavengers can be very pretty you know
The alternative would be to restrict light or let the algae overrun the tank. The absolutely best solution would be to add CO2, at least I think so.
I do not tolerate algal growth on my plants....
My otocinclus are doing a fine job on my plants and my ancistrus are making the glass shiny
The siamese algae eater are mainly just looking pretty even though they eat quite a lot of algae I must say that they lose to the ancistrus.
However, I believe the ancistrus(max 13 cm, currently 6cm) are more dangerous to newts than the siamese algae eater(max 15cm, currently 7cm)) since the ancistus have spines(it is a catfish) the siamese algae eater is not a catfish. The otos are kept with orientalis which are to small to eat the otos(max 4-5cm).
I keep the ancistrus with my ensicauda - too big to be eaten.
There is another quite common ancistrus species that become max 8cm but it is somewhat expensive (8-9 euros). I will try that one later.
I have chosen these species as they are peaceful but good algae-eaters. Watch out for the chinese algae eater - it is the most common species of algae eater here and it is known to suck onto other species in the tank damaging them. My local pet shop has long experience of catfish and light up when you ask anything about them!