Otocinclus

[zain611]

So after one of my guppies saddly died in the morning i was thinking of getting 2 otocincles or whatever you call them but i was wondering if they have algae wafers and are alright on sand

 

[xamy_valox]

I have had otocinclus in the past, and they were fine with algae wafers and on sand. I would advise getting a few more than 2 though, what size is your tank?

 

[akfox18]

I have had a few in the past, still got one now actually. He's in a tank with pebbles so can't really comment on the sand? they're interesting to watch. mine spends most of the time either stuck to the side of the tank or perched on two front fins on the moss ball checking everything out I had originally had 4. just the one now but he seems perfectly happy with his little gang on tetras

 

[zain611]

In pets at home i think i see them in the cold water tanks im not exacly sure if it is them but im sure i saw them in another LFS

 

[phantomlink]

Get more then 2, and they are picky fish, I had some and they die pretty easy.  I didnt even make it home and one died in the bag

 

[xamy_valox]

Get more then 2, and they are picky fish, I had some and they die pretty easy.  I didnt even make it home and one died in the bag

Exactly the same happened to me! And they were all gone within about a month, but I put it down to the fact I was having troubles with my tank at the time. I would consider getting some more now though as my Bristlenose is so lazy he never gets rid of the algae on the glass, where as the Oto's were good at that.

 

[This Old Spouse]

I started out with 4 (all the LFS had at the time) and now I'm down to one. I'd love to get him some buddies.

 

[Baccus]

Otocinclus should never be in cold water tanks, they really are a warm water loving fish. I wonder if the fish you saw where Chinese Algea Eaters and if so DO NOT get them. Shops sell them when they are small and good algea eaters but as they mature they become terrors in the tank. They become aggressive towards their own kind and will attack other fish in the tank. Also as they mature they stop being so good at eating algea and prefer other diets.
Another option that you may have seen in a cold water tank is Borneo Suckers or Hong Kong Plecs, these really do tend to be temperate fish but they do also like cool water. If they where Borneo Suckers than getting them is a great experience, I have around 18 of them now and I love them. In my tanks I have found them peaceful to other fish and even amongst themselves. Other breeds like Sewellia can be aggressive amongst themselves but that is usually the males arguing over territory and breeding rights.

 

[zain611]

I might go to my other LFS then pets at home as im sure that they didnt have them but ill make sure that they are otos not any other fish that looks the same

 

[zain611]

I went to one of my LFS yesterday and unluckily they didnt have them. they did say they come in rarely but as soon as they come in they would be sold so quick as they grow so small which is actually why i want one but is there any other algae sucker fish that grow to about 6cm? I may try to go to my other LFS which is in a place which we dont pass by and that pets@home just to see.

Also wanted to update about the next tank; my dad has put the table which we'll put the fish tank and cabinet there and saddly it hasnt been sold yet so hopes up that it gets sold soon also it looks like we may get the tank soon after we sell the table not that my dad has to finish construction work in my room then we get the tank and he hasnt started my room yet.

 

[Aviici]

Bristlenose Plecos grow to about 10cm so you could consider that? Invertebrates are probably the best small algae eaters though, a strong shrimp colony would be another option to the Oto's?

 

[Baccus]

I wouldn't rely on a bristle nose to only get to 10cm my fully mature males and females are all pushing 15cm.
 
Shrimp can be a good option for algea control, mainly amano shrimp are known for being the best algea eaters.
 
Without a specific name of a sucker fish it will be very hard for us to advise if it will be a good tank companion or not. Borneo Suckers only reach between 4-6 cm depending upon which species you get.

 

[Aviici]

Could try some freshwater neon gobies, mine are constantly eating algae and do a better job than the BN! The males fully grown at about 6-8cm and the females are about 4-6cm. They're peaceful, however they'll need soft substrate and some places to dig a cave. Really fun fish to watch though, and considering they eat algae that's a rare thing for an algae eater