It is uncommon for the Bristlenose to be out in the light. It might be you have not provided it with what it needs. A cave or something to burrow under. I have found, when provided with one, they are very industrious at removing algea in the dark.
If you get hair algea, I would suggest common platies and or rosey barbs. You need to keep in mind the rosies will pick on some stem plants if they run out of algea. But if well fed otherwise, not a problem.. In fact many of the small barbs wil eat hair algea. Rosey barbs will also eat small snails if they become a problem
Another small alternative to the brisltenose might be the Clown pleco -- Peckoltia vittata. It gets to about 4 inches max and hides a lot.. a couple in a 55 do nicely. Also Otocinclus is a good peaceful choice, I would say one per 10 gallons.
If you are making a plant tank out of it, keep in mind algea usually will not grow on actively growing leaves unless the tank is understocked with plants to begin with.
Gosh.. I seem to be full of it tonight.
Anchor
He's probably brave because he's in a heavily planted tank with a dark substrate, and has many hiding places to choose from (and no competition). He was a little chicken for the first week, and once he discovered that he could easily be the boss he relaxed. When the nightly wafer falls from the sky, he's the first one on it and he defends it as though it's his last meal! During the day, he cruises around cleaning the glass and chewing away at his driftwood. He does rest in the driftwood holes and his favourite spot under one part of the wood near the substrate, but I like that he's visible much of the time too. I know that some fish are naturally more or less shy than others - I think my guy may just be exceptionally brave.
