Otto School

[Dave_31]

I currently have a 10 gallon tank, planted, with a DIY Co2 system.

Algae hasn't been a problem before now but is slowly creaping in.

I currently have 3 Otto's but they dont really seem to be doin the job...

How many more Otto's could i have in my tank without having to worry about starvation once the algae is under control?

 

[cory]

I had an algae problem once ... 3 Otto's cleaned up my whole tank in 5 days.



Of course my Angels tracked them down and killed them on the 6th day.

 

[Inchworm]

...How many more Otto's could i have in my tank without having to worry about starvation once the algae is under control?

Hi Dave_31

Your otos might do a better job for you and be happier if you increase their school to six or more.

Don't worry about running out of algae and having starving otos in your tank. They will happily dine on zucchini and cucumbers, or algae wafers.

 

[lizard]

Hmmm, good to know. I've been wondering why my then-two-now-one Otos (one died, am going to get more) haven't been eating much of the algae. Maybe when I get more they'll start cleaning up the algae

Dave, what other fish, and how many, do you have in your tank? You'll want to take that into account before getting more Otos

Pamela
aka Married Lizard

 

[Dave_31]

Thanks for all the replys, very helpfull

I have a small community tank with 4 Cardinal Tetras, 6 Flag Tetras, 2 Glowlights,
2 Harlequins, 8 Corys, 3 Sparkling Gouramis and my 3 Otto's....

I have used cucumber before but my corys seamed too enjoy it more

 

[kev_kb]

I hate to say this but aren't you over stocked already? I wouldn't add any other fish to the tank at all.

 

[Dave_31]

hey kev_kb

That was the main reason i posted this topic.....

I think that my tank is in equilibrium;
- Water is stable (nitrite is 0, PH is steady Hardness is steady)
- Fish are happy and school together without looking for breathing room,
- Tank remains clean (little debris)
- Plants are growing nicely

The only problem (or what is soon becoming a problem) i have is with algae

 

[kev_kb]

I think that my tank is in equilibrium;

It may be now, but how old are the fish? I don't want to sound like I'm getting at you or anything, I don't mean to. Your tetras add up to a possilbe 23" of fish fully grown and that most likely over stocks the tank without considering the others.

 

[Dave_31]

No offence taken!! Everyone has there views and im glad you shared yours!

My dad is planing to get a trigon 190 soon, so i mite get the extra ottos and then move some fish into his tank when his is set up (a matter of weeks )

 

[kev_kb]

Glad to see MTS is setting in!