Otos and Algae Control

[fishboy7]

Okay, so 2-3 otos is okay for a 10 gallon, but now that u say 1 oto is okay for a 5 gallon, should I get 1 oto or 1 zebra nerite for the 5 gallon as an algae eater?

 

[fishboy7]

Also, are zebra nerite snails plant safe? And how many would it take to keep a 10g clean?

 

[fishboy7]

Anyone?

 

[happypoet]

Yes, they are plant safe. I have a total of 4 Nerites in my 29 gallon with no other major algae eaters, and I have never seen a spot in the tank. I'd think two would do it. They do lay little white eggs that you'll need to scrape off the glass if they annoy you (these eggs won't hatch).

 

[fishboy7]

Oh ok, I'm glad they are, but will they lay them anywhere else besides the glass that we won't be able to see them?

 

[happypoet]

They'll lay them on any hardscaping, so rocks and wood as well as glass. If they're not overfed, I don't think they lay all that much. It seems to be that the horned nerites lay less than the redspot or tiretrack, but I would hardly call my observations scientific. I love those snails, but due to their eggs, they're probably not ideal for anyone who is really picky about their tank's aesthetics.

 

[fishboy7]

My grandma probably won't care, and her betta and kuhli loaches will probably eat them anyways. Also, she does a good job of feeding her fish, so I don't think she will overfeed them.