Tactics with Byzantine fire-throwers

[Decius Caecilius Metellus]

I've managed to forget their name, but I just noticed that the fire-tube guys are now available in Constantinople. I've seen them used effectively in siege battles, but does anyone have any useful tips for open-field battles with these guys? How do you protect/maximize their firepower on the battlefield? Anything would be helpful, especially something that works against enemies like the Seljuks.
Thanks!

[Strengelicher]

Protect them from cavalry attacks and long range missiles by pairing them with stake-planting archers. The Siphonatores will in turn protect the archers from approaching infantry.

[Raygereio]

I usually place them in front of my main infantry line, then as the enemy approaches my lines I fire of one or two blasts at the most dangerous thing out there and then immediatly retreat them behind my lines.

During the rest of the fight I either have them guard one of my flanks, guard my archer position just like Streng, or manouver them to make fried chicken out of the enemy's most heavy units.

[Decius Caecilius Metellus]

Thanks for the help

[Paleo]

if you drag them out so there lines are as thin as possible and then put them just on the edge of the infantry line so they can retreat easily and then when there is combat going on flank the enemy lines and they kick ass

whilst there flanking make sure they are protected by cavalry !