I bought a Otocinclus for my 6g tank (inhabited by a betta). Now what does he eat once all the visible algae is gone? Stuff I can't see? I recently had one die on me after my tank looked spotless. So I bought some shrimp pellets to see if that was the problem, no food. Is this the correct thing to do?
Algae Eater question
- Thread starter RevirD
- Start date
Algae eaters need supplemental food along with the algae. You can buy algae pellets, or feed them vegies. Not too sure they'd go for shrimp pellets
Anything you put in the tank must be fed, from algae eater to detrivore to predator. Very few--and unlikley any small tanks--produce sufficient algae to feed an algae eater enough. This is one reason I discourage people from adding an algae eater unless they really want the fish--as a means of preventing algae entirely, fish just are not the best option, and if they are used, they must be cared for just like the 'centerpiece' fish--and often require more cleaning, since most are heavy waste producers.
My otos get fed algae waffers, green beans, and peas. I give them these a few times a week just to make sure they are eating fine.
I try to feed my otos algae pellets but they don't seem to care for them at all. Usually gets eated by the SAEs and upside down cats!! :rant: I guess my tank is producing a good supply of algae because all my otos (5 of them) looked really overweight!!