Room For A Few Otos?

[lilfishie]

i have a 15 UK gal tank that currently contains 4 female bettas, 3 neon tetra and 1 amano shrimp, my tank always has a constant supply of algae as the light is on for long periods of time so was wondering if i could have a pair or trio of ottos in there, the tank is very mature been running for 5 years and is overfiltered. not planted but i am planning on planting it when i get the time, so ottos or no ottos?

oh and as for there only being 3 neons i would get more but everytime i buy them they wipe out everyother fish in the tank due to disease and they all looks so small and fragile around here, i'd be afraid my bettas would eat them

 

[Ripley]

I'd go with two otto's.

 

[stang1]

Ottos prefer to be kept in groups of about 5+ so I'd go with that amount.

 

[Ripley]

Otto's do like to be in groups, so more the merrier. But in that size tank you won't fit 5+, so the most I would go with is 3.

 

[stang1]

5 Ottos would be fine in that size tank as they only reach about 4cm and don't produce a lot of waste. Lilfishie is an experienced fishkeeper who does regular maintenace on her tanks, so I don't think there would be a problem.

 

[lilfishie]

thanks Stang, now all i have to do is find some, hopefully one of my lfs will order some in for me

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I think 5 oto's should be fine, if you are having hard luck with the neons though it is probably just better to rehome your trio and get a different type of small shoaling fish that is a bit hardier .

 

[lilfishie]

have been thinking about rehoming them but i have become attached as i have had them for 3 years, theres been just the 3 for a year and a half, they don't seem bothered at all, might go 4 ottos and get them a few friends, these guys have been though a lot, changed my tank form 10 to 15 gal they've been though whitespot,velvet, i just can't bare to rehome them

 

[MermaidMel]

You have 15g and definitely room for 5 ottos - they are GREAT with algae and very peaceful, won't upset the community at all but will serve a purpose.