Added an Otocinclus to my Aquarium

[Freedom]

Oh that is great! This site has the best compilation of info on them, IMO:
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/catfish/otocat.php

I've never had one before, and was intending to get a pleco (which I HAVE had in the past). So I am having to get up to speed quickly.

Do you have other bottom feeders? I don't, so I think I will need to add at least 2 more otos. And, are you growing algae on rocks in a bowl? I have to start that, as this one oto is rapidly cleaning up the tank! My tank location is such that it gets very little direct light, so not much algae to start with.

Finally, what are you feeding? I have put in some spinach, on a clip, but so far this oto is NOT going near it. I also have zucchini and cucumber to add in the tank.

I'd love to hear what you are doing for yours! From everything I've read, the first month has a high mortality rate, so I hope I get this oto through the first month.

[chocolatepuppy]

I read somewhere else that they love brown algae. That's what I am having a problem with in my one tank. Never had brown algae before.
I hope he can keep it cleaned up by himself, I don't need anymore fish!

[Freedom]

Is it a new tank? Brown algae is often part of the cycling process, it develops in the first 2 months and disappears in another month.

Otos eat soft brown algae, no blue algae, and no hard, crusted algae. They love green veggies!

[Freedom]

Today I added 4 more otos, and 6 long fin zebra danios. That about fills my tank. The new otos are quite a bit smaller than the one I got on Sunday. Lost sight of 3 of them immediately on release.

While the bags were in the tank, getting acclimated, all the tetras kept poking at them ha haaa. Now the danios and tetras are very busy with meet and greet!

[chocolatepuppy]

Is it a new tank? Brown algae is often part of the cycling process, it develops in the first 2 months and disappears in another month.

Otos eat soft brown algae, no blue algae, and no hard, crusted algae. They love green veggies!

No, not a new tank. I did put a softer light in it though thinking it was cool. I think that's what caused it.

[Freedom]

Just ordered some LED lights, they will arrive in 10 days or so. And 2 silk plants; all my stuff is plastic, and I'm getting the grief on the fish forum. Also ordered new background, tired of the one I have; it IS from 1995, so I guess I got good use out of it, lol.

Once I have new lights -- once I have any lights! -- I can take new pics. The flash keeps bouncing off the glass into the lens.

Otos are so cool! I swapped out the 3 old strips of cuke and zuke, and put in new. They really ate down on the old ones! Four of the otos eat head up, one eats head down the silly goof!

[Karen]

That'll be fun with a new background, and LED lights! We look forward to progress reports!

[cassiesmom]

Checking for an update -- how are the new fish?