Catfish & Tetras

[oldoak66]

Hello again (hope you aren't tired of me yet)

Can anyone tell me the type of catfish that likes to eat algae - apparently one type of catfish is very good at keeping the tank clean. I've tried to read up on it but can't find out which one it is.

Also, do catfish and tetras live together in perfect harmony?

Thanks again (and thanks for your patience )

 

[entersandman]

I'm still new to fishkeeping myself but i have a couple of Bristlenose Plecs who love there algae !!! and live in perfect harmony with my Tetras, i have neon tetras, rose tetras and Penguin tetras and never had any issues with them at all. Hope that helps.

 

[lilfishie]

what isze is your tank, bristlenoses are good but grow 6" which isn't big compared to others, but ottos are also good and only grow about 2" but need to be in groups

 

[Lorna]

but ottos are also good and only grow about 2" but need to be in groups

Are ottos quite easily sold in the pet shops? Is Ottos there actual name is or this shortened?

 

[mark.w.jones]

Short for Otocinclus of which there are many species. The one usually referred to by its nickname "oto" is Otocinclus affinis, common name dwarf suckermouth catfish. Article about them below.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...p;hl=Otocinclus



ps may I also suggest amano shrimp as good algae eaters although you need to be careful of its tank mates as they are very morish and apprantly they do not cope well in newly set up tanks. Needs a 6 month matured tank.

 

[Lorna]

Thnx for the link. I will want to get a few of these when my tank is ready. How many should I get?
My tank is 60lts I have already got
5 tetras
2 platys
3 clown Loachs (which I now know that the tank is far too small for them will upgrade when I can)

Thnxx again, all the best

 

[mark.w.jones]

Your 3 clown loach really need a 4 foot+ tank eventually so that's quite a big commitment to keep them, maybe better to re-home sooner rather than later as you can add no other fish at all until you get rid of them.

If you get rid of them then you can safely add around 4 otos to what you already have then you are really close to fully stocked and should certainly leave things to settle with just those fish for at least 6 months before you think about adding any more.

 

[oldoak66]

what isze is your tank, bristlenoses are good but grow 6" which isn't big compared to others, but ottos are also good and only grow about 2" but need to be in groups

My tank is a 54 litre Rekord 60 - as yet standing empty. I am starting to cycle it this weekend but am trying to get a good idea of what fish to get. I definitely want to get some tetras and catfish - hence the question - but don't want anything that will grow too big for the tank. I know it is quite small but I have space issues so it can't be a bigger tank. What about Angel fish - is the tank too small for them (and will they really eat the tetras)?

Thanks again.

 

[lilfishie]

angel fish prefer tall tanks not exactly sure of the minimum height so can't really help there, but they will eat tetras if small enough