Oto Stocking?

[bronzecat]

Hi all

I have oto's in my larger tanks with my bettas, but was wondering about my smaller tanks??
We have a divided tank 3 gallons per side and one thats 2 gallons each section. They are all filtered via sponge filters.

I was wondering whether I could put any oto's or other small algae type eaters in them??

Had a really crazy thought about having little tunnel systems so they could go from section to section Dont think I'll try that though, but how great would that be? Like one of those hamster systems

 

[marlie]

*eyes hamster cage*

I don't think he'd be too happy if I took his tubes away

 

[Monty2451]

I had the same thought believe it or not! LOL I was thinking about putting some small tubes in the lower back sides of the dividers to allow the otos to go through from section to section. But because bettas are so curious I decided agains it fearing they'd get stuck and drown. Funny how us betta lovers think alike though, isn't it?

 

[bronzecat]

Hi Monty. Yeh, i think it would be cool, but could be asking for a stuck fish

I suppose if you only had small oto's and moved them as they grew you just might be able to get away from it. Especially if you just used a short piece of tube (1 cm)

Think i'll leave it for now, but if you decide to try let me know

 

[Monty2451]

I have to wait a bit for my tank to cycle before stocking the oto's as they need a more mature tank to thrive in. I'm currently doing a 25% water change once a week as it's only 4 fish in one 10 gal. and 5 in the other. So a couple weeks from now, I'll post and let you know how it goes. I feel kinda bad experimenting with live otos, but it's the only way.

 

[bronzecat]

Hi
I might see what size tube i can get and compare it to the oto's i have. Mind you i wouldn't do it unless 1. I was sure the oto could get through and 2. that my bettas couldn't get their heads stuck

I'm sure its possible but its just a case of sizing it accurately Knowing my luck i'll have claustrophobic oto's that wont go through

Anyway, until then does anyone have any thoughts on oto stocking in little tanks?

 

[Monty2451]

Knowing my luck i'll have claustrophobic oto's that wont go through

Seriously though, I was considering some 3/8 inch (1 cm) tubing as a possibility, it should be large enough for Otos, but not large enough for the bettas as all my males have some pretty big heads, lol.