catfish!

Bump that up to a 55, and get some pictus cats. Then choose a couple small plecos ( BN's, bulldogs, clowns, ect.) I'd stay away from Otos, they're way too shy IMO.

I agree with user_name. I tried a catfish tank once and found that it was very difficult to stock as most of them grow a bit too large for a 20-40 gallon. A 55g would open up many more options for you. Pictus cats are very fun, they are active and would look great if you kept them in a small group. You could also do syndontis petricola or synodontis nigriventris (upside down catfish). The upside downs would also work if you do opt to go with a smaller tank, 30-40 gallons. Theres also glass catfish which will stay in mid to upper levels. The upside-downs will too if they are kept in a large enough group.

banjo cats only get about 6" max, if I remember correctly, but, they might make a midnight snack out of your ottos.

skip the otos, and try this for a 40-


10 cories
3 banjo cats
3 bulldog plecos

get the shortest tank you can find, as this will increase footprint, wich is good for bottom feeders, obviously. you dont need much vertical space, because all your fish will stay primarily at the bottom.

Pygmy cories and some smaller plecos(BN, clown or bulldog) could work well in a 40 or 30 gallon breeder tank. The plus with pygmy cories is they are a little more mid water than most catfish.

ya, you want to go lightly stocked with catfish because IME they poop alot. especially plecos.