Feeding Otos

lucy42083

AC Members
Jan 20, 2008
751
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Wappingers Falls, NY
Hey all, I recently (a few days ago) got a couple of otos added to my tank. My tank is relatively new (2 months or so), so I of course have been feeding them Hikari algae wafers to supplement their diet. The problem is that my dwarf gouramis LOVE the algae wafers, and eat them up before the otos can even get any. I have an SAE as well, and he also loves the algae wafers, and was almost chasing the otos away from them. I split one into a whole bunch of pieces, and I fed the fish flakes at the same time, but between the gouramis and the SAE I don't think the otos have gotten a chance to actually eat any of the wafers. I'm not worried about them starving to death yet, but I just want to know if there is anything I can do to make it more likely that the otos will get to have some. Thanks!!
 
you could also try to "make" your own algae, put some river rocks in a bucket with water and a clip lamp. Add a pinch of flake food and the rocks should grow algae pretty quickly. These could then be added to the tank to supplement the otos. If you are in a warm enough climate, you could stick the bucket outside as well.
 
yes otos can clean clean clean. but feeding all at once and in diffrent spots help. I feed sinking wafers, flakes, cucumber, crab bites.
 
you could also try to "make" your own algae, put some river rocks in a bucket with water and a clip lamp. Add a pinch of flake food and the rocks should grow algae pretty quickly. These could then be added to the tank to supplement the otos. If you are in a warm enough climate, you could stick the bucket outside as well.

put in some vegies, lettuce, cucumbers, that sort of stuff. Although you may want to soften them up a bit before you do.

Btw, if you don't think there isn't algae, think again, otos do an amazing job of keeping it in check.

wow awsome info!! :)
 
I will try the cucumber, I have heard it mentioned before, but how large/small should the pieces be that I put in?? Thanks, msjinkzd, I will also try your suggestion....I'll have to buy a small clip lamp, though, since I live in Vermont.
 
yup ive made algae rocks for shrimp and stuff. works like a charm. and outta the way.

I slice the cucumber and its whatever size the umber is lol. I peel it and de-seed it. that takes a bit away. ( i peel in hunks lmao).

Ive read white rocks work better. Im still looking for the magic white rock.
 
Try fresh spinach leaves on a clip if the other suggestions don't work out for you..
 
Also try feeding them after lights out, like many plecs they're active then. They won't have to compete with the other fish. Mine likes meaty foods in addition to algae wafers & veg. Try a bit of shrimp pellet or other sinking food for them.
 
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