Is there a way to grow algae?

riddle4sphinx

riddle4sphinx

AC Members
Jul 19, 2006
268
0
16
Illinois
When I got my ottos, there was some algae on the tank. But now, they've cleaned it all off and it doesnt seem like any is growing. I feed them sinking algae wafers and some vegetables, but I just worry about either not feeding them enough, or feeding them too much and gunking up my water. I'd feel better if there was algae on this tank.... so is there a way to grow it?

I've never tried using real plants, my decor is all fake plants and some rocks/broken japanese pots.... I actually have no idea how to even switch over to a planted tank if thats what causes algae. Or, if I did get real plants, would my ottos eat those? I appologize, I'm kind of new to keeping ottos. They're in the 10 gallon tank in my signature with my guppies. Water is heated to constant 78 degrees, water params are always normal and I do weekly 30% water changes. Thanks for any advice!
 
Otos do not eat plants. Get a few smooth small rocks and put them in a bucket placed under direct sunlight. Adding some fish food as ammonia source may help produce green algae rapidly. Once covered with algae, you can place some algae-coated rocks to your tank for the otos to eat and leave the rest to continue growing algae.

The same method has been employed for my hillstream loaches.;)
 
The algae is still growing but the otos are just constantly 'grazing' on it so it never becomes noticeable. Like mgamer said if they are fat (and eating) they'll be fine. Algae wafers and vegies is a good diet. I give mine half an algae wafer every second day, a piece of blanched vegie every week and they like the occasional shrimp pellet, plus a bit of algae. Otos are pretty small so they don't really eat much.

Otos should have fat little bellies, my two.

Otocinclus Catfish 1.JPG Otocinclus Catfish 3.JPG
 
Lupin, that's a great idea!! Do you just barely cover the rocks with the water then?
 
Ok thanks guys, I just worry that they aren't fat enough? They do have little bellies, but like I said I've never kept em before, so to me they just look like when I bought them. I do have their tank light on for almost 10 hours a day, but it still seems like no algae is growing. I'll definitely have to try that rock tip.... and tropical, what kind of shrimp pellets do you use? Thanks again everyone for all the info!
 
yup
algae grows when there is an imbalance in the tank.usually too much light or to many nitrates.

I use to do the same thing with rocks.. I have several tanks in the tanks with no oto's i let algae grow in ricks then place those rocks in the tanks with oto's.
you can also grow algae on rocks in bucket in direct sunlight.

oto's will eat a lot..for their size the are considered one of the best algae eaters in aquaria. a small crew will rid you of algae issues.(particulalry diatoms)
 
pinkertd said:
Lupin, that's a great idea!! Do you just barely cover the rocks with the water then?
Click to expand...
Hmmm..I don't get the question.:confused:

Edit: Oh good grief!! I mean bucket of water. Did not include the word 'water'.:owned:
 
Aright thanks everyone! I'm going to probably try all of your suggestions and see what i can get to work best. By the way, I forgot to mention this before... TropicalNorth, I absolutely LOVE your pictures! The quality is awesome... and Ottos just rock to begin with... enough said :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom