Question about otocinclus

[TorPeteO]

I'm getting a few dwarf puffers to go in a 5 gallon tank, and I wanted to get an otocinclus or two for the tank, as well.

I've read in previous threads that they are a schooling fish. Would it be detrimental to the oto if I only had one of them in there? I am concerned about overstocking, and think it would be better to get one.

If I got two, do you think that would overstock the tank? It would have 2 dwarf puffers and 2 otos then, and should have sufficient filtration (all 3 levels). Will two even make a difference, or does it not matter it there's less than 4?

Thanks for the help,
Peter

 

[Clare]

What size is your tank? Our Ottos are the small ones that get no bigger than 3cm. If it the same one that you are talking about then i would advise you to get a few. I don`t think these really count too much towards the overstocking level and ours do stay together a lot.
Ours like cucumber and peas but watch for these things polluting the water in such a small tank.
Clare

 

[Wyld-Fyre]

Get a couple. I can't see it being a problem to have 2 in your 5G. They'll patrol the lower levels, with your puffers the upper. Your filter, cycled long enough, should be able to cope with four fishes.

 

[TorPeteO]

Alright, thanks. I've got the filter being cycled on an established tank right now, and I'll probaby leave it there for another week and a half. Then I'm setting up and planting the new aquarium, and putting a few platys in it. Once I'm sure there is sufficient bacterial filtration, I'll buy a few otos (hopefully some algae will have built up in that time, too). Then I can finally add my dwarf puffers.

Sound like it could work? Thanks again for the help, I'm still all ears for more tips.

 

[Wyld-Fyre]

Oto's love an established/matured tank. Don't be in too much haste in adding them.

Oto's are omnivorous, and can eat most things. They love grazing on cucumber (as Clare says). So, if you don't have enough algae, this'll suffice in the meantime. Mine enjoy boiled slices of cucumber, but I've also heard others use differing vegetables.

Oto's are fairly active, so make sure you have plenty of space for them to explore to keep them stimulated. The bigger the tank the better.

Oto's are a peaceful, community fish, so do your prior research and make sure whatever other inhabitants in that larger tank won't cause them harm.

This is speaking from my experience with my Oto's. Hope this helps.