I have a small 10 gallon aquarium and it does not produce much algae at all. I need it to have some algae as I have an oto...and I don't want him to starve. I have just normal light bulb lighting, not flourecent. Can I keep the light on at all times or will this hurt the fish (no plants, just 5 guppies and an oto).
2006-12-18 19:01:59 · 9 answers · asked by Jamie J 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Don't leave the light on all the time; fish need a regular light cycle just like people do. Their bodies need to know when to rest, when to eat, when to metabolise and at what rate; and they do all this by the light phases.
I have tanks with algae and I still feed my oto cats, for variety and in case they can't eat the algae that is growing (for example, they can't eat Black Beard Algae). You can put in some algae/spirulina pellets, or a piece of zucchini or cucumber with a stainless steel spoon stuck through it so it sinks.
If you have just one, just feed a little bit. They don't eat too much.
If you want to introduce some algae in your tank, get some plants. Otos love them, too. Also, you could probably get a few more otos. They are much more active in groups of 3+.
2006-12-19 01:51:37 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fish have no eyelids and must sleep when the light is off. When it is kept on all the time they will become stressed and are more likely to get sick.
You may want to buy some algae cubes from your local pet store if you are concerned. Or try putting your fishtank nearer to a window.
However, keep in mind that a lot of the algae the fish eats you can't actually see. So, he's probually getting more nutrients than you imagine.
2006-12-18 19:13:30 · answer #2 · answered by Jennifer B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can leave it on all the time but it isn't the best for the fish. Instead you can feed your oto other things including algae wafers, sinking pellets or even things like spinach and lettuce.
2006-12-19 01:34:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't have a lot of algae then feed other foods. Ottos should not be feeding just off algae anyway. You need to supplement their diet with veggies. Cucumber and zuccini are the best. I cut it into circles and freeze the pieces. Once a week I drop a zuccini circle into HOT water(all of the above it important to making it sink, it it doesn't sink it is useless) to thaw it out then cool it under cold water and drop into my tank. Remove the piece after 12 hours so it doesn't foul your water. On top of that you need to feed some sort of veggie based fish food. I feed hikari algae wafers twice a week.
2006-12-18 19:17:29 · answer #4 · answered by fish guy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is not a good idea to build too much algae, as it could go out of hand and make tank dirty. Best way feed them with dry fish pellets or worms. certain amount of algae will build up over period of time. Well, fluorescent lamp will make difference.
2006-12-18 19:15:39 · answer #5 · answered by Kutty_21 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
they dont just eat algae. provide sinking pellets. look for one with high vegetable content.
btw, algae is not entirely related to light but more to waste material that cannot be processed fast enough by the tank eco system (Nitrogen cycle stuff). trust me you dont want to see more algae as that is a sign your tank conditions are poor and that may lead to fish stress and disease, as well as parasitic bloom.
2006-12-18 20:38:53 · answer #6 · answered by lsl4x 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No they won't affect them at all and all fish tanks can get algae!
2006-12-18 22:49:04 · answer #7 · answered by Jess 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
do u have dirt in the tank make sure the bottom is muddy leave it don't clean the tank for a couple of days
2006-12-18 19:05:44 · answer #8 · answered by taytaymm28 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes lighting is as easy as you study just give it a knowlege it will come out .please do not forget to use heart toward it.
thanks
2006-12-18 20:55:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋