I've observed that most planted tanks in the hobby are occupied by fish like tetras, algae eatting shrimps and otocinclus. I too once has a tank like this. But one day, a decided to add a few platies and guppies into the tank to feed on surface scum, to my surprise, not only did they clean up surface scum, I've observed them diligently cleaning all sorts of algae off my plant leaves. I can actually see the algae getting plucked off the anubias leave and disappear into their mouths. I even saw them feeding on the notoriously STINKY BGA. In fact, I feel that they are much more efficient than shrimps and even otos. Well its just a feeling. 
It is also very interesting to watch them peck at the leaves of plants. Few fish actually will "interact" with plants this way. Their colours are quite attractive for a member of the algae crew too! Perhaps its because livebearers are such prolific breeders and their low value have caused their demise in the popularity within the planted tank community. By the way, the platies I'm using are feeder platies. Just 50¢ and I get a whole bag full of them.
I'm glad that they are now part of my "algae crew" and they are definitely here to stay in my tank. What are your views about lifebearers?
It is also very interesting to watch them peck at the leaves of plants. Few fish actually will "interact" with plants this way. Their colours are quite attractive for a member of the algae crew too! Perhaps its because livebearers are such prolific breeders and their low value have caused their demise in the popularity within the planted tank community. By the way, the platies I'm using are feeder platies. Just 50¢ and I get a whole bag full of them.
I'm glad that they are now part of my "algae crew" and they are definitely here to stay in my tank. What are your views about lifebearers?
