Questions About Algae Eating Catfish...

[Eines]

I'm getting a new tank which will be around 40g and I'm trying to find the best algae eater: either bristlenose plec or oto. Right now I'm keeping swordtails, however, I'm thinking getting some bumblebee gobies which will need salt in their water. I've heard that BN's hate salt, but can't find any confirmation of that anywhere, so if someone knows the answer, I'd love to know. Also, can otos tolerate salt? The tap water which I use is medium hard and slightly alkaline, which is great for my swordtails; however, I'm pretty sure that catfish prefer soft acidic water. Will BN's or otos be really unhappy in this type of water? if so, does anyone know any better algae eaters for my tank?

 

[Corleone]

My area has quite hard and alkaline water (ph around 7.6, though my tank averages 7.2), and otos are still widely sold. Fish that don't acclimate to the water easily are only sold by one store, and are disproportionately expensive ($10 each for cardinal tetras). Otos are usually about $1.

I see bristlenose, too, but rubbernose seem to be the default small plec here. I've been considering one of these species myself, though, and welcome more experienced opinions.

 

[rocknurworld2006]

gobie requires brackish water as you know and should only be kept with other brakish fish, plecs and ottos shouldnt be kept in this!

 

[Eines]

okay, well looks like it's no gobies then, unless anyone knows of any salt tolerant algae eaters...?

 

[rocknurworld2006]

okay, well looks like it's no gobies then, unless anyone knows of any salt tolerant algae eaters...?

there isnt any! and anyway you cant keep the swordtails with gobies the only fish that like brakish water are puffers, bbg's,, etc