Ok, I started to get algae (diatoms) in my new aquarium after about 3 months. It's been fully cycled since week 3 or 4 (I know, very quick cycle...TLC for freshwater aquariums works well!). I have 2 male and 3 female guppies in there now since about week 3-12 (added a few at a time). Yesterday I added a oto to the mix to take care of the ugly algae. my question is...i keep aquarium salt in my aquarium (1tbs/5 gallons) and I dont know if this is ok for the oto (being that catfish don't have scales.) Also, I am worried that I won't have enough algae after a few days for him to live off of...what can I feed him other than natural occuring algae? What other helpful hints about otos do you guys have?
2006-12-18 18:29:25 · 5 answers · asked by Jamie J 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Actually when I got my ottos, they were in my quarantine tank which already had a bit of salt (I was in the process of quarantining a new guppy). I think we had it dosed at 2 tablespoons in the 10 gallons of water. They seemed fine with it - they all lasted through the quarantine, at any rate.
I have four of them in my 55-gallon tank. There is always stuff for them to eat on the glass, even if I don't see any visible algae. I always throw a couple of algae chips in at night just to be sure there's something for them to eat (as they are, for the most part, nocturnal fish).
You should really have at least two ottos, as they are social fish. I originally had two in my 55-gallon until one died - and then the other one seemed to stop eating (depression?) when it was alone. Once I added the other three guys in, the original one seemed to perk right up and school with them.
I hope you quarantined the new guy before adding it to your main tank. They are usually wild-caught, and as such, they can sometimes carry some nasty parasites. If you didn't quarantine him, just keep an eye on your other fish to make sure none of them start flashing or anything.
Also, you need to make sure you have absolutely pristine water conditions. Minimal nitrates (less than 20ppm) at all times, NO ammonia and nitrites, and a steady pH. Ideally, they should be kept in softer water, but my water is quite hard and my guys seem ok.
2006-12-18 18:52:04 · answer #1 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Diatoms are generally in the water not on surfaces. Otos only clean the surfaces. Also I don't believe that otos are scaleless catfish. (Most catfish aren't scaleless, and some are heavily scaled.) That said like most catfish they don't like much salt. Also otto are not extremely hardy so you'll need to watch your nitrates.
They are plant eaters unlike most sucker fish who are omnivores. I'd recommend getting a algae flake, and use that ever other day. Guppy need a fair of plant matter for good nutrition. Algae waffers will work to, but the smallest is about x4 the size of what an otto needs. (Maybe 1/2 a waffer twice a week at most.)
2006-12-19 04:22:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your oto can't eat diatomes. Diatomes aren't actually algae. Nor can they eat green water, which is a single-celled algae that floats in the water. They can eat hair algae and green algae, but they can't eat all algaes. Supplement his diet with zucchini and spirulina pellets.
He will be fine with some salt in the water, but you don't have to put that much. One rounded tablespoon for the tank would be sufficient. However, you should definitely get another couple otos ; they are social fish and will be less shy and more active when you have more than 3. At least get him one buddy.
Do you have a fluorescent light? There's no reason not to give a few live plants. I have a large anubias and some penny wort (among others) in one of my tanks with the otos, and they love resting on the leaves.
2006-12-19 01:55:52 · answer #3 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Zebra danios surely surely choose great areas to swim in as they're rather lively. i don't think of you will could many fish, it extremely is in simple terms that the danios could be happier in a greater tank. Oto's do not poop a ton so some distance as I surely have heard and prefer to be in communities. additionally, they have a tendency to not be very hardy, in case you decide on some thing small that doesn't die extremely in keeping with danger choose for some pygmy corydoras or possibly panda cories, yet they don't eat algae, and choose faculties. in case you come back the zebra danios you're able to be able to get another small education fish like harlequin rasboras or neon tetras. in view which you look very stable approximately cleansing the tank you additionally can try cardinal tetras. once you're acclimating the otos to the tank what you're able to do is waft the bag, for approximately 10 minutes then slowly start up including slightly of your tank water to the bag to get them used to your water. do not pour the petsmart water into your tank, scoop the fish out with a internet.
2016-12-30 15:29:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
all answers here
http://www.fishlore.com/profiles_otocinclus.htm
they might be able to stand a little salt.
2006-12-18 18:36:33 · answer #5 · answered by professorminh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋