Otos and Algae Control

[fishboy7]

How many should I keep then? Is 2 okay? Also I have lettuce, zuchini, and algae wafers to supplement them if there is a lack of algae. Finally I will have some tetras and a dwarf gourami, so would he get along with them and school with them or no should I get another Oto?

 

[fishboy7]

Anybody?

 

[user_name]

go with nerites for smaller tanks...

 

[fishboy7]

My dad won't allow me to get snails unless they are local ones, which IMO are very ugly. So, how many Otos should I get? 2?

 

[Chrisinator]

Local snails as it from ponds around you or locally bought? I still wouldn't advice on a single Oto.

 

[fishboy7]

Snails from local ponds. Also, I know 1 oto is BAD, so how many do I need to make it GOOD?

 

[fishboy7]

Anyone? How many otos to make them "happy"?

 

[Star_Rider]

tanks are both too small for Oto's..yes they are small fish but they eat a lot of algae.. and often oto's will not adapt to other foods ..

one oto will demolish algae in a 5 or 10 in short order.. for their size they are considered one of the best..diatoms would be gone in in short order.. then you have to see if you can adapt them to other food.

 

[fishboy7]

Okay then. I will get 2 to let them have at it and if I get them to adapt to other foods then great! If not, I will consider getting snails. Thanks for all the help!

 

[cellodaisy]

As others have said, otos are schooling fish and generally happiest in groups. As others have (surprisingly) not said, adding animals is not the best solution to an algae problem. I'm certainly not an expert on the issue, but the most obvious suspects are overfeeding and/or too much light. Can you describe your setup and routines? The good folks here at AC may be able to help identify the problem.

Also something to consider---while otos are great little fish, my understanding is they mostly only eat fresh algae growth. They don't eat all types of algae, and they often aren't interested in the already-established stuff.