How many Otos for a 15 gallon?

[Spclk1981]

I am getting brown algae growing on my plants, and wanted to pick up an oto or two. From what I read, 1 oto should keep the tank clean because the tank isn't large.

Any thoughts on this? I swear, this is the last thing I am putting in the tank!

 

[Nephthys]

I have three ottos in my 15-gal at the moment, which is more than enough to keep the algae at bay; in fact, I actually have to supplement their diet with veggies and tablets since there is so little algae. But it's worth it, since they really do seem to enjoy each others' company, and can usually all be seen feeding on the same plant/rock/section of the glass. I notice this particularly when the other fish are being rambunctious and chasing each other (not the ottos) around-- it seems to make the ottos feel much safer when they hang out in a little group.

That said, if all the critters in your signature are inhabiting that one 15-gal, then I think adding three more fish (even tiny ones like ottos) would really be pushing it...

 

[Indigo]

Ottos will probably push you over the max for stocking. I'd suggest battling the algae yourself, rather than picking up a fish for the situation. Brown algae is pretty easy to remove by hand then pick it up with a gravel vac.

To help it NOT grow, try to increase the amount of light if you can, or feel less. It loves lower light tanks (beleive me, I know ). I've learned not to add ferts, and I've cut feeding down to once a day.

 

[NotCalebSherida]

the thing about ottos if you decide to get them is that they are very fragile fish the first time they are dumped in a tank. So, i got three one day, and 2 of them died within 12 hours. but the one that's alive is doing excellent... So if you get ottos get like 5-6 so that even if some die, you'll have your desired amount