Ottocinclus' Being Fussy Eaters!

[minikarter]

I actually put this post on the "other catfish" section, though I think I may have been wrong and have not had any replies and it's worrying me a little!

I've had 3 otto's keeping my betta company for about a week now. They did an amazing job clearing the tank of brown algae, plants and glass look like new! But I'm worried that there isn't now anough algae to support them and I've been trying other options, for long term feeding. So far, I've tried both cucumber and courgette, I left them both in the tank for about 12 hours, and they weren't touched by the ottos. I got particularly concerned about the courgette as I left it overnight, and this morning it'd made the water a bit cloudy.

Any Ideas? What does everyone else feed their ottos regularly?

I know people all seem to suggest different types of veg, but I'd like to know if there's anything specific besides what I've already tried that they will go for? I also tried some "pleco wafers" for algae eating fish, though they are old from an old tank.. I may see if I can get some fresh ones and see if it makes any difference.

Thanks in advance!

 

[lyotim88]

algae wafers or regular sinking wafers

 

[loachman]

Try algae wafers and maybe zucchini/cucumber. IMO, they're not quick to take anything other than algae though. I've never seen mine eat any prepared/offered foods.

 

[Christi_22]

Hi

My Ottos will eat Hikari Sinking Algae Pellets, and blanched cucumber. (which is provided for the BN Pleco).

 

[timmystood]

They are not the most fussy of eaters in my experience. I would be tempted to try on with the algae wafers and occasional veg. The other option would be to try catfish pellets, but beware of how many you feed as you can easily over-feed catfish pellets.

 

[mwood2]

Mine only eat cucumber an algea. I have yet to see anything else eaten. Also keep in mind unless you have a good sized group you probably wont see your oto's eat since I noticed mine like to eat in private.

Look at there bellies, if they look plump they have been eating

 

[Truck]

ottos should be fed only natural algae!!! you can induce it, by leaving your lights on a little longer