cory catfish

[rosierabbit]

my tank is getting too much algae, and the 2 corys dont seem to want to eat any of it. is there anything i can do to get rid of some (any other kind of fish / more corys??!!)

 

[Alien Anna]

You think you've got problems - I've got a Siamese Algae Eater who won't eat algae!

Seriously, I think if they've got a huge range of other food available they tend to go off boring old algae. Also, corys can only eat certain types of algae (unlike the SAE - in theory! ). What sort of algae is giving you trouble? I tend to find it's high nitrate and high phosphate levels that are the cause of the problem.

 

[rosierabbit]

i dont know about the nitrate and phosphate levels - i've never tested - but i can tell you what the algae looks like!!

there orangey brown blotchy stuff all over the front of the glass, and lots of the pebbles and stone decorations have gone green too.

glad to know you have the same problem (no offence!!)

 

[cryosi]

u want or need an algae eater for the algae not a cory! they wont eat your algae unless u got an oto.

 

[rosierabbit]

whats an oto?

 

[Alien Anna]

Personally I think this concept of DIY biological control (ie. if you've got snails, get a clown loach or puffer; if you've got hair algae get an SAE etc) is potentially a very good way to
1. Totally over-stock your tank
2. End up with one or two fish who should be in schools
3. End up with a large fish in a small tank

Otocinclus affinis, "Oto catfish" are very small schooling fish who eat algae (in theory - remember my SAE). Because they are schooling fish, you ideally need 6 or 7 of them at the very least. They also need plenty of plant cover, are quite shy and prefer soft, acid water.

Here's a website Otocinclus affinis

I say if you want otos, get otos, provided you have the right conditions for them and enough space, but in such a small tank don't get them just because you want to get rid of algae. The over-stocking could potentially make the algae problems even worse!

To keep algae levels down
1. Have live plants that grow fast.
2. Do regular water changes to keep down your nitrate and phosphate levels (bottled water if your tap water is contaminated).
3. Keep your filters clear of gunk.
4. In extremis, turn off your tank lights for a week.

 

[rosierabbit]

readnig the comments on that website, otos dont sound like very nice fish so maybe i'll stick to scraping off the algae with that algae brush thingy...

 

[Kissifish]

Whoa! I switched to Otos after raising Bristlenosed plecs. Otos are more active and my tank is clean of algae. And they must be getting enough to eat cause they are much healthier than when I got them. They don't like algae wafers though.

Lots of fun to watch.

Would advise at least 3 per 10 gallons.

Try the info on Catfish. Type in as search: fish for: otocinclus.

HTH

 

[rosierabbit]

yes, but i dont fancy having a fish that will stick itself to other fish... is that unusual??

 

[Kissifish]

You've got the wrong fish! Otos don't bother other fish. I think you may mean something else.

 

[Kissifish]

Chinese Algae Eaters to be exact.

 

[rosierabbit]

on that website alien anna suggested, ppl were sayin that teir otos stuck themselves 2 other fish maybe i will get some...

 

[Alien Anna]

on that website alien anna suggested, ppl were sayin that teir otos stuck themselves 2 other fish maybe i will get some...

I wonder if the problem was due to under-feeding of their otos? Some people don't bother to feed algae-eaters, and don't notice that all the edible algae has already been eaten! A hungry fish will try to survive on anything - other fish, included!

You can read bad stuff about any fish. I have black neon tetras who, despite their rather piranha-like appearance, are the gentlest fish you could wish for. I keep them with my betta. But I read on the Net about some poor woman's betta being shredded by black neons and she said they were the nastiest fish she'd come across.

I learned when I was breeding hamsters that giving an inadequate diet can lead to aggression (work in people too! ). I suspect the key to reducing aggressioin is to provide sufficient territory (including caves and plants for them to call their own), provide a good quality diet (otos like insect food as well as algae) and observe your fish's behaviour. If resources are stretched, it is instinct for animals to try to compete, and that includes violence if necessary. Make sure there are plenty of resources!

 

[rosierabbit]

i understand what you're saying about different people giving different advice , but i've decided to get some snails instead.

thank you everyone for your comments

 

[colin5861]

Anna

the otos I got to clean my guppy tank have almost finshed their job. I have took some advice from this forum and bought some algae wafers which they just totally ignore.

I have tried blanched cucumber but it wasn't even touched.

What is a good thing to try next. ? I like the little guys and want them to be happy, there are 3 of them and they like to stick together- would they be happier with another couple or 3 oto's


Colin