New fish

Squirrelbuddies · Feb 11, 2005

I'm looking for a new algae eater for my 20 gallon. I moved my plec into the 55 gallon this week (and what a happy little guy he is! He now has driftwood to munch and lounge on.)

Anyway, I need something that will not get too big as it's only 20 gallons. Currently there are two pearl gouramis in there along with two mollies. The mollies will be moved to a different tank in the next week or so.

Any ideas?

endilliteracy · Feb 11, 2005

rubber lipped plec :nod:

I believe they only get 5.5 inches.

They also do a good job. Mine cleaned up my whole 29 gallon in one day. :wub:

littlefishie · Feb 11, 2005

Bristlenose plec, or some otos. My otos work wonders.. they're a bit slow at cleaning algae off of terra cotta pots, but they're awesome with the glass and plants.

Perhaps they don't like pots.. :dunno:

jflowers · Feb 11, 2005

I would go with littlefishie on this one, BN or oto's. Otos prefer a mature tank with very clean water.

Jon

littlefishie · Feb 11, 2005

Very true with the mature tank bit..

I got lucky cos I used seeded filter media to set mine up and I only lost one oto out of three. I was expecting it cos he didn't look all that well on the way home.
A friend of mine set up his tank with media from my filter, and he's still hesitant on the otos. He wants to wait a month or so before considering getting them.

Trust me, they're worth the wait.

Squirrelbuddies · Feb 11, 2005

jflowers said:
I would go with littlefishie on this one, BN or oto's. Otos prefer a mature tank with very clean water.

I think the otos would be fine with my tank...it's only been running since late November - but conditions are great. Ammonia and nitrite are at zero and nitrate is typcially around 5ppm. I do 15% water changes weekly. (I'm very fortunate in that my tapwater has virtually no nitrate.)

Are they ok with temp at 77 degrees? I've read some places that they like cooler temps....

Also, I should have more than one, right?

jflowers · Feb 11, 2005

Yes should be fine at that temp, mine have been at 78 for several months. Your tank also sounds like a good environment, just keep up the testing. Groups of three or more are best.

Jon

littlefishie · Feb 11, 2005

I find that they school even with two of them, because that's what my three did when the one died. Now they have a new friend and they all like to hang on the tube for my air pump. [Which only gets run at night, but it's still cute.]

Squirrelbuddies · Feb 11, 2005

Hmmmm...looks like there will be a trip to the lfs in the morning to check out the otos!!!

FrAnK3333 · Feb 11, 2005

Id go for the otos. But then again I dont like plecs.

gwlee7 · Feb 11, 2005

Hey Squirrelbuddies,

A little off topic here but, is the plec going in the tank with the congos tetras, USD cats and kribs or, have you got another 55 gallon too??

I am curious as to how the congos are doing since you were so patiently waiting during your fishless cycle.

EDIT: I checked your profile and saw the plec went in with the congos. Still want to know how the congos are and am also waitng for pictures

Discomafia · Feb 11, 2005

littlefishie said:
I find that they school even with two of them, because that's what my three did when the one died. Now they have a new friend and they all like to hang on the tube for my air pump. [Which only gets run at night, but it's still cute.]

One of my 3 ottos schools with my bronze cories sometimes. Must be having an identity crisis or something...

But yea, they do a great job of cleaning up algae, as do BN plecos. And you can easily keep 6 or 7 in there, would be great to see how they interact with each other...

littlefishie · Feb 11, 2005

Mine all huddle with the pandas in a corner sometimes. It's adorable. And when the cories dart up for air the otos swim up and attach themselves on the glass.
I guess when they realize the cories aren't there anymore they get sad, so they go back to the corner with them. So cute! :wub:

Squirrelbuddies · Feb 11, 2005

gwlee7 said:
EDIT: I checked your profile and saw the plec went in with the congos. Still want to know how the congos are and am also waitng for pictures

Yes, the plec went in with the congos and they are all doing very well! They are a beautiful fish -- especially when the light catches them just right. They are difficult to take a picture of though....or maybe it's just me! Anyway, here's a picture which shows 6 of them:

I think I need a new camera!!