scavenger

[sam]

Hi,

I have a 30x12x12 tank with 5 glowlight tetras and 3 platies.
Could anyone suggest a suitable scavenger for my tank. I was thinking of getting a few small cories but my gravel is not very fine and my water has a natural pH of 7.8 so cories don't seem a good choice.
I'm unlikely to get a bigger tank in the future so I need something that will remain happy in my (small) tank. Is there anything else I can consider?

Thanks,
Sam

 

[Bol]

Hi, Sam. That's a "20 long" tank you've got there, by the way.

First, I can say that I have a variety of cories thriving in my tanks, and my pH is between 7.9 and 8.2 (the last few months, we've gotten much higher pH, and much harder water, but that's a different discussion ). If you keep the water "clean" and consistent, I wouldn't worry about the pH much.

Also, all my tanks have "regular" gravel, and I've never seen any problems with my cories -- no torn barbules or anything. I'm pretty sure that the gravel size isn't as important as the gravel shape -- what you don't want is "sharp" gravel.

If it was my tank, I'd probably get a pair of (or maybe three) cories, and an oto.

 

[jams.alaskan]

to the forum Sam! What type of gravel do you have? Is it sharp?
I have a true siamese algea eater and I'm pretty happy about the work he does in my tank.

ALASKA

 

[cutechic]

4-5 otos does the trick for me.

 

[sam]

Thanks for your replies.
The gravel's not sharp. Here's a pic (sorry it's not too good )

I like the look of these guys Corydoras ambiacus so I'd like to get three of these if that's ok.

Would one oto be ok or do they need companions?

(SAE's are not listed on the stock list of my lfs so they're probably not an option.)

 

[cometcattle]

I would go with a few small loaches.
Definatly not clowns! Go with zebras or skunks. They are so entertaining to watch.

 

[Bol]

I've got some of those spotted cories in one tank; they're pretty cute.

For what it's worth, I've got tanks with one, two, and four otos in them. I can't see any difference in behavior in any of them, so I'd have to conclude that a "school" of otos isn't necessary.