stocking my 30g

[Soeman]

I've got a 30g tall (24"x12" base, 24"tall). I've currently got a dozen cardinals, a pair of Apistos, 3 ottos, and am planning on purchasing some hatchets to occupy the upper region of my tank. I also have a khuli loach, but I'll be moving him to one of my other tanks once I get them set up. 2 questions:

1) how many hatchets are advisable?

2) I'm looking for a bottomfeeder and need advice. I'm want to keep to S.American species, and would like something that at least has a small apetite for algae (I found that my galaxy pleco L007 that died from ick had no interest in the stuff). I was thinking of getting a Royal farlowella, but i'm worried about the size.

[beowulf]

For the bottom you could get 4-5 corries and a bushy nose pleco.  They stay small and between them should help with keeping your bottom clean of uneaten food and help with algea in the tank.  Another option would be 5-6 otos that are great with algea and really fun to watch.

[Soeman]

whoops! forgot to mention that i've already got 3 ottos 

[dan2x38]

LOL... good luck catching the Kulili loach

[Soeman]

yeah... that'll be a challenge    should've done it when i accidentally swung my pH a full degree from 8 to 7 and my khuli was freak'n out swimming all over the place.

[Vizerdrix]

Hatchets are schooling fish, so you'll need at least 5 if not more.

[dan2x38]

Hatchets are schooling fish, so you'll need at least 5 if not more.

And keep a tight lid on the tank...

[tetroid]

A royal farlowella should be ok in a 30 gallon, and since it's more vegetarian than the L007, it ought to be a better algae eater. You can't be sure, though, as they'll eat a wide variety of greens. If algae is a big concern, then three more otos would probably be more effective.