Otocinclus

[Tempestuousfury]

I have three of them quarantined in my 5 gallon. they are new acquisitions.

I added algae tablets one day and these fish would not eat it. I kept the tablet in overnight and it was exactly the same as before (broke up only when I syphoned it away). I think it might be because they are recent acquisitions and that the algae that was in my tank was more tempting than the tablets.

So: will they eventually go for the tablets, or will it suit them to starve over time?

Other than lettuce, zucchini, and cucumbers, and other foods I can clip to the side of the tank?

 

[boxman]

New fish don't always have their 'appetite' back right away.

When I got my 3 last week as soon as they were released they literally started cleaning the side of the tank!!!!

I wouldn't worry about feeding them every day, 1/2 tab for all your otos (not each!) 3 times a week is more than enough, if you notice you have some left over then cut it down to twice a week or just put in 1/4.

Cucumber etc are fine, I personally wouldn't give them too much as they won't clean your tank, which, lets face it is the reason you probably bought them in the first place!!!!!

 

[funkybodal]

I've read that feeding potato is a good way to get otos eating as they may have not got much food throughout the shipping/dealer's tank process.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Potatoes? Never heard of 'em being fed to otos.

Well, they made extremely short work of cleaning the 5 gallon, so the tablets are their only source of food. And I just bought them because I like the way they look. I don't really mind the brown algae that accumulates due to low light levels *shakes fist at low bulb wattage*.

Soon they will enjoy 50 gallons worth of algae.