Low algae in planted tank. Will oto's survive?

[Matak]

I have a planted tank. It used to be a lightly planted tank, but since I have been using the EI dosing method combined with CO2 injection, it has become a jungle. I used to have some algae, but lately I've had so little algae that even my snails are dieing off. I'm a little concerned for my oto's. They appear to be Ok, but I want to be sure.

 

[Onikun]

You can get algae discs that sink for them. Hagen makes a Nutrafin one.

 

[patoloco]

Ditto.

Also, otos may eat raw vegetables. For what i've read here, they'll be raping on zucchini. You can put a small piece tied to a rock and sink it. Then, remove the left overs it in the morning.

 

[ksimmo1]

I always put a 1/4 of a zucchini (blanched) in the tank about every three days for the plecos and otos. Within three hours they take it right down to the skin, its pretty amazing to watch.

 

[Roan Art]

Zucchini, yams, broccoli, those are the three my otos like best. Blanch it first, don't just throw it in.

For more veggie ideas and instructions on how to prepare it properly, check out the Pleco Dietary Needs sticky thread in the Catfish and Bottom Feeders Forum.

Roan

 

[Matak]

Thanks all, especially yours Roan.

How do you blanch? Boil for 3 minutes?

 

[Roan Art]

Thanks all, especially yours Roan.

You're welcome!

How do you blanch? Boil for 3 minutes?

I take a cup of water and add ¼ tsp of garlic**. Microwave water + garlic for about 2 mins -- rolling boil. Throw in the veggie and nuke for 30-45 secs.

** The garlic is supposed to just to attract them to it, so they know it's food, but if they like garlic, why not use it all the time? Up to you.

Zucchini, 30 secs
Broccoli 45 secs
Yams 45 secs

All you want to do is kill any surface bacteria and make it *slightly* soft. Just not rock hard. Easier for the fish to eat, but it won't get mushy as fast. I throw it in before lights out and remove it the next night. That way everyone gets a chance to eat it and it doesn't go blech.

Roan

 

[Matak]

Thanks again

 

[Halo]

You're welcome!



** The garlic is supposed to just to attract them to it, so they know it's food, but if they like garlic, why not use it all the time? Up to you.


Roan

Garlic is also a good way to keep them cleansed of internal parasites, and garlic is a bit of a natural antibiotic. As Martha Stewart would say "It's a good thing!"

Either that or she says, "you're my new cellmate/bunk muffin... go stitch some quilts"

 

[RockabillyChick]

garlic is an anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. its just generally REALLY good for you. it also is great for ear infections. just heat up some oil very gently, not boiling or anything, just so its warm, and add a crushed garlic clove. let it sit for a while on very low heat, about 10 minutes or so, let it cool off, and then use a q-tip to drip it in your ear. it really works. may have to do it a couple times though.