Otto And Small Cichlid Compatibility

[Fella]

I've been contemplating for a while now some kind of algae eating fish in my Juwel rekord 60. From what I can gather, most plecs are too messy or too big, and one of my only possible options is an oto. I think I am at or nearing my stocking limit, so, do I have room for an otto?

My tank currently holds

4 Lamprologus multifasciatus

So my question is really, can I have any ottos in my tank at all? And will they eat my multifasciatus fry? I know that they might eat the tiniest of tiny fry, but I'd assume these guys might be safe as the parents would be defensive and the fry would be in the shell till a decent size?

I know that ottos will eat really tiny fry, but I'm curious all the same. I'd really like something to tidy up the algae off my swords and vallis, but I'm reluctant to go down the shrimp route.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[rdd1952]

Actually, I've never heard of otos eating fry. Otos are only about an inch long anyway. What kind of algae do you have? There are types of algae that no fish will eat. Also, they are schooling fish so you would need to get at least 3.

 

[Fella]

Actually, I've never heard of otos eating fry. Otos are only about an inch long anyway. What kind of algae do you have? There are types of algae that no fish will eat. Also, they are schooling fish so you would need to get at least 3.

Yeah, I was fearing they were schooling but saw in a few sigs here some people keep 1 or 2 singularly. I'll admit this is one of my first points of research for them. Would there be room for 3 in my tank or would I be overdoing it? I've seen some places saying they need 10 gallons each, and I'm not keen to keep any of my tanks overstocked.

The fry consumption is something I read re: mosquito fish in the catfish section, the first thing I read before posting here. The purpose of my multi tank (apart from looking great!) was to see some breeding first hand, so I definitely dont want disappearing fry!

I've been reliably informed by one of my cichlid keeping buddies that ottos are definitely not compatible with multis, but I'd be keen to hear other peoples views on the subject!

 

[rdd1952]

From looking up the cichlids and seeing that they only get to about 2", I'd say you have plenty of room stocking wise for 3 otos. I'm not real sure about the compatibility issue though. It looks like your cichlids are little but very aggressive. Try asking in the African Cichlid section. There may also be an issue with the pH as otos prefer lower pH and softer water than the cichlids.

 

[Fella]

From looking up the cichlids and seeing that they only get to about 2", I'd say you have plenty of room stocking wise for 3 otos. I'm not real sure about the compatibility issue though. It looks like your cichlids are little but very aggressive. Try asking in the African Cichlid section. There may also be an issue with the pH as otos prefer lower pH and softer water than the cichlids.

Ah right, undoubtedly that'll be part of the problem then. From what I can gather ottos have a seriously hard time acclimatising to water as it is, so I doubt my higher PH will do them the world of good.

My multis are total pansies (everywhere I read people are attacked by their own!) and hide in their shell whenever I come near, but then again, I'm not a 2inch algae eating fish.

Any idea for a more suitable cleanup agent? Requirements are basically small, tolerant of high PH, wont eat fy, will eat algae, wont be bothered by aggressive tankmates. Any ideas?

Thanks for the help

 

[rdd1952]

I would suggest algae eating shrimp but I suspect they may have a problem (becoming lunch) with the cichlids too. A dwarf pleco may be ok but not certain about the water parameters again.

 

[Fella]

I would suggest algae eating shrimp but I suspect they may have a problem (becoming lunch) with the cichlids too. A dwarf pleco may be ok but not certain about the water parameters again.

Yeah, I'm trying to avoid shrimp really, mainly because I find them a bit repulsive (sorry shrimp fans!) and I'd really like a plec, just not one thats going to devour all of the fry in the tank...

 

[lljdma06]

I would suggest algae eating shrimp but I suspect they may have a problem (becoming lunch) with the cichlids too. A dwarf pleco may be ok but not certain about the water parameters again.

Yeah, I'm trying to avoid shrimp really, mainly because I find them a bit repulsive (sorry shrimp fans!) and I'd really like a plec, just not one thats going to devour all of the fry in the tank...

You know, another way of dealing with algae is to implement a tank "siesta". Try having your lights on for 4 hours, then off for 3, then back on for 4. Algae really hates that. They get confused. And it really doesn't bother the fish. This can be easily accomplished with a light timer. I do this with my planted tanks, and algae isn't really an issue for me anymore. Thought this would help considering your tank has special conditions. Once the algae begins to die off or becomes more managible, you can increase the lighting to the following pattern, 5 on 2 off 5 on, as a maintenance regimen.

For me, I would be too tempted to eat the little shrimpies myself. I love shrimp, but as food.

Just a suggestion.

 

[Fella]

I would suggest algae eating shrimp but I suspect they may have a problem (becoming lunch) with the cichlids too. A dwarf pleco may be ok but not certain about the water parameters again.

Yeah, I'm trying to avoid shrimp really, mainly because I find them a bit repulsive (sorry shrimp fans!) and I'd really like a plec, just not one thats going to devour all of the fry in the tank...

You know, another way of dealing with algae is to implement a tank "siesta". Try having your lights on for 4 hours, then off for 3, then back on for 4. Algae really hates that. They get confused. And it really doesn't bother the fish. This can be easily accomplished with a light timer. I do this with my planted tanks, and algae isn't really an issue for me anymore. Thought this would help considering your tank has special conditions. Once the algae begins to die off or becomes more managible, you can increase the lighting to the following pattern, 5 on 2 off 5 on, as a maintenance regimen.

For me, I would be too tempted to eat the little shrimpies myself. I love shrimp, but as food.

Just a suggestion.

That's probably a very good idea, except I cant get a timer on the plug socket the light is on

I've boughta plec now though, L187, maximum size 4". The tank is kept at the bottom of the tanganiyakan range and the top of the range for the plec so I got an overlap.

Everythings been ok so far, they've given him a bit of a hard time though, will this go on forever, and will it permanently hurt him? I hope not. I'm ready to return him to the store though if their bullying doesn't stop.