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Otocinclus A Possibility?

MisssMarie

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I have a 10 gallon tank, its home to 2 mystery snails, 6 shrimp, and 5 relatively peaceful female bettas. I was thinking I'd like to put some oto's in there. Is that a good idea? If so, how many should I get? Any tips on caring for them? I've heard they're picky eaters, is that true? If so, what works for you/others?
 
how long have you had it set up?

they do prefer to be in groups of 6 though...
 
I would let your tank mature for another three months at least until a decent biofilm has grown over everything.

These guys love fresh green algae, so if you don't have any, they'll get pretty hungry. Some people grow it on rocks outside for them, in a bucket of watering a sunny patch. I also feed mine blanched courgette mainly but experiment with other veggies. They do eat algae wafers and other catfish pellets but those alone make a pretty rubbish diet for them.

They are very picky and can keel over and die for no apparent reason even when you've had them months. They do best in a really established tank. Sensitive to water quality. Like to be in groups, so aim for at least three in that size tank - yes they need larger groups, but that's a small tank, and you'd need to feed them a fair bit to make it go around. Lots of plants and hiding places - that's not to say they never come out, mine are on the glass all the time, but they like to hide a lot.

If you think you can feed them properly with algae and veg, You could consider a few, but I personally wouldn't add them to a three month old tank.
 
Agreeing with Soybean. I'd had 4 oto's in the past 6/7 months and I'm now down to one. They are incredibly picky, mine would eat algae and a bit of courgette but nothing else.
You'll need to be seeing quite a bit of green algae growing on your glass and decorations before considering them if you don't want them to starve
 
I had 6 in my new set up... 3 of them died off.. not sure if it was slack of food.

But the 3 I have remaining have been around for 6 months now and every so often I sink an apple for them which they seem to enjoy.
 
I have 2 ottos in with 5 platty and 1 male betta. All seem to be doing great.

I feed my ottos on algae wafers and courgette.
I know I need more Otos idealy but my platties are recovering from whitespot (hopefully it's gone now) so I'm gonna wait a couple of weeks before I get more.

Paul

edit: forgot to add it's a 90l tank.
 
Alright! I'll definitely wait then! I really wouldnt want them to starve :/
 

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