otos

[FrAnK3333]

today im getting my 3 otos 3 neons and 2 danio(zebra or leopard) i dont have algue on my glass there might be some else where but what do otos eat? algue wafers?

 

[Synirr]

Yeah, I don't own otos, but I'm pretty sure they'd be happy with some algae wafers

 

[lovebuzz]

From what I reade otos CAN survive on algae wafers, but they prefer to be eating constantly as in many fish stores they aren't fed too well. I'd say your better off giving them some zucchini

 

[sylvia]

Actualy otos require live algae (besides fresh veggies and waffers) to be healthy. A lot of deaths associated with otos are due to their not getting appropriate foods. The amount of algae doesn't matter but it has to be living algae and they have to have access to it as often as possible.

 

[newfishies]

i hope this isn't as dumb a question as i am afraid it might be. i have 2 ottos in my 10 gal. i got them to clear up some algae problems i was having. i don't see any algae now at all. the are constantly scouring everything in the tank. is there algae that is so small i can't see it? or should i worry that they are not getting any algae at all. i do supplement with veggies and algae wafers.

 

[sylvia]

I wouldn't worry as I'm sure some algae does grow if you had some to begin with and they'll be getting at it but also make sure they have plenty of other foods like you are already providing.

 

[FrAnK3333]

i plan to get 10 plants at the same time of purchase if my otos and there is some algure on my main ornamet.

 

[Griz]

I have 6 otos. Only got them only a few weeks ago but I did a fair bit of research on them. When first put into a new tank, and it should be an established one, they will basically feed on the algae in the tank. They do best in a planted tank. They should be offered algae wafers and fresh veggies. Courgette (young zuchinni) spinich, cucumber or romain lettuce. They may ignore it if they are getting sufficient algae, but these should be offered occasionally anyway to be sure. A chubby oto is a happy oto.

 

[gale]

If you buy otos, do you put them in a quarantine tank first? And if so how do you feed them? I want to buy some if I ever find some, but I finally got a tub to set up a quarantine if necessary. But it doesn't sound like you can keep them in a non-established tank.

 

[Griz]

Quarrantine is always a good idea. Have a look at this thread about algae. There's some great information in there and the idea of cultivating green algae on a rock is an excellent one. The rock could be placed in the quarrantine tank. Otos have a reputation for being fairly delicate so it's probably worth the trouble.

 

[FrAnK3333]

i already have a few plants but when i go to the petshop im going all out im buying 10 to 20 plants

 

[gwlee7]

My ottos are doing great eating some cucumber that I have been putting in the tank for them (I see them eating it all the time). I've tried dropping in algae wafers at night for them or early in the A.M. before the lights come on. I think though that only my pigs.... uh ,.....I mean platies are eating the algae wafers given the amount of algae wafer colored poo I see them making.

 

[bugsy66]

Ottos are great... I have never had luck with them. About 4 months ago I thought I would try one again. At that time I had a 5 gal setup for my bettas. This one little guy kept that 5 gal absolutley spotless. They say they do better in groups, but this one is doing just great by itself..."knock on wood"

My otto is now in my 25 gal until I have my 5 gal up and running again with algae for him to eat. These little fish can really clean a tank well and get into every crevice there is. They love the plants too and keep them very clean.

I know they like very clean water conditions, warm water and lots of algae.

Season's Greetings...bugsy

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Since algae growth seems to be a problem, just grow your own.

Rocks in old tank water in the sun (too bad it's winter for most of us). Algae grows on rocks and you transplant them.

I see this was covered... oh well. Maybe others will be too lazy and will scroll down like I did.

 

[FrAnK3333]

well i looked in my tank and i have algue but i got some wafer just in case there doing laot but 2 of my otos stick together and 1 goes off on his own i also bought 2 loepard danios at which i called the petshop and they said no we dont have those and i go and they have the fish