Algae Control

[sic0198]

Are Ottocinculus a good fish to buy to control algae in a twenty-four gallon? How many should I buy? I've heard I need to waiy a few weeks for algae to build up, befote getting them or they'd starve. But if I feed (with algae wafers) them would they be ok?

I have a BN pleco, and I'd like to keep it. But would a cubed twenty-four gallon be sufficent?

 

[lordofthesea]

hmm. not sure about the plec. but if the tank is new, it's probably not a good idea to get otos. they prefer mature tanks. what about sme shrimps? they'd keep alge at bay and will eat algae wafers which the otos won't

 

[sic0198]

I believe it's enough for an angelfish, I have one at which I want to rehome in it. But I will cycle the tank before I do it. Same with the pleco.

Are shrimps safe with the angel?

 

[OldMan47]

My own experiences with otos is that they are best only introduced when a problem already exists. Since they are hard to feed, they don't readily accept algae wafers, it is better to wait until a tank has a serious algae problem before introducing them. I have used otos to help me control algae in my tanks and probably should not have done so. Once the algae was gone, the otocinclus became almost impossible to feed. They do not readily accept algae wafers or similar food so unless you are dedicated to their individual care, they are not likely to survive. The best method that I have seen for helping them survive is to take some rocks and get them covered with algae and then swap the rocks in the tank with algae covered rocks. This way the otocinclus would always have some real algae to use as their food source.

 

[waterdrop]

My own experiences with otos is that they are best only introduced when a problem already exists. Since they are hard to feed, they don't readily accept algae wafers, it is better to wait until a tank has a serious algae problem before introducing them. I have used otos to help me control algae in my tanks and probably should not have done so. Once the algae was gone, the otocinclus became almost impossible to feed. They do not readily accept algae wafers or similar food so unless you are dedicated to their individual care, they are not likely to survive. The best method that I have seen for helping them survive is to take some rocks and get them covered with algae and then swap the rocks in the tank with algae covered rocks. This way the otocinclus would always have some real algae to use as their food source.

Totally agree, I've found them to be tough little suckers to keep alive.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Bobtastic]

I've seen at least one of my Oto's chowing down on a Tetra Variety Wafer! u've both made me a little nervous now about the health and well being of my Oto's... Do they have enough to eat... I don't have a algae problem but they seem to be happily munching away at the glass, rocks, wood and plants. Hopefully mine aren't fussy buggers!

 

[aaronnorth]

hmm. not sure about the plec. but if the tank is new, it's probably not a good idea to get otos. they prefer mature tanks. what about sme shrimps? they'd keep alge at bay and will eat algae wafers which the otos won't

I have added ottos after a couple of days of the tank being setup, as have many other people - no problems.
Maturity doesnt really matter, just the making sure they have enough food is more critical. Feeding a varied (very varied) diet is the best chance of keeping them alive, i have had them feeding of algae wafers and some other form. They were JBL brand.

After all it deends on the algae. Ottos only eat diatomes and green dust algae. some algae are not touched by certains fish, or even none at all! What type of algae are you getting or is it just as a preservative measure?

 

[Ozzy Ozborne]

read up my recent post................it gives how I solved my problem with algae

I think it was middle of last week so just search my name

Hope it helps !

 

[sic0198]

hmm. not sure about the plec. but if the tank is new, it's probably not a good idea to get otos. they prefer mature tanks. what about sme shrimps? they'd keep alge at bay and will eat algae wafers which the otos won't

I have added ottos after a couple of days of the tank being setup, as have many other people - no problems.
Maturity doesnt really matter, just the making sure they have enough food is more critical. Feeding a varied (very varied) diet is the best chance of keeping them alive, i have had them feeding of algae wafers and some other form. They were JBL brand.

After all it deends on the algae. Ottos only eat diatomes and green dust algae. some algae are not touched by certains fish, or even none at all! What type of algae are you getting or is it just as a preservative measure?

Preventive, I like Ottos, always wanted some.