otocinclus acclimitization

[orthikon]

I've read a lot of threads about ottos being sensitive and also a couple of website describes to acclimatize them first.

somefinnfishy said in http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16892

On a side note ottos must be aclimated by the wholesaler/importer in acified RO water or they will die two months later in your tank as with most wild caught cats-plecos once aclimated properly they do good in any water.

So what's the proper way of doing it?

I guess I should ask Petsmart (closest store that has them) how long have they had them. I'm REALLY about to impulse buy them since I have an algae problem so help is appreciated.

 

[CharlieV]

form what I have read and in my experience check how long the ottos have been at lfs. In my LFS if they have been on display for a week they have been there for 2 weeks as they have a quarantine period of 1 week at the back of the shop.

When I bought mine I acclimatised them over a 1.5hr period. 15mins with bag sealed and then adding water from my tank to the bag every ten minutes for the rest of the time. Add water form your tank, leave it a while, remove some water from bag, add more water form tank and repeat.

all 6 alive and well and getting really fat! Ottos like an established tank with a little algae to feast on. Supliment their diet with Blanched Corgette (Zuchini) and cucumber.

 

[carttman]

Ottos like an established tank with a little algae to feast on. Supliment their diet with Blanched Corgette (Zuchini) and cucumber.

This is exactly what I did when I got my ottos. My tank was covered in brown algae when I put them in my tank and when I woke up the next morning my tank was spotless. Now I supplement them with vegetables and algae wafers. One of the best fish I have ever gotten.