I recently set up a fluval flex 15g. The tank is cycled, moderately-heavily planted, and stocked with 6 cardinal tetras, 1 honey gourami, 1 otocinclus and a nerite snail. I added the oto after a big outbreak of algae that the snail couldn't handle; I realize that the otos like to be in groups, but the store only had one left. In the first couple weeks he seemed happy and did a great job cleaning up, but for the last couple weeks he's just stayed in the same area of the aquarium and hasn't moved much. Do you think he's under stress? Should I add some friends for him, or would that overstock the tank? There is still algae in the tank but it hasn't come back the way it was before. Thanks for any advice!
Otocinclus in 15 gallon fluval flex
- Thread starter keldan
- Start date
Otos don't eat all types of algae. & you're right, they like several friends...I'm sorry to say your tank seems way too small for 5+ more otos. Maybe shrimp would be a better choice. Neocaridinas come in several colors (get all the same color), Amanos are bigger...
Yep. Too small of a tank to stock an appropriate group of otos. Not enough surface area for them all to share.
I'd rehome the honey gourami as well.
I'd rehome the honey gourami as well.
I'm afraid whoever told you a certain animal/certain number of animals is going to handle your algae outbreak for you was lying.
Algae outbreaks (small amounts are normal) in a planted tank is just a sign you're doing something wrong; improper lighting, too much phosphates/nitrogen, ph too high/co2 too low. Address those issues, and you will have no algae to speak of.
Algae outbreaks (small amounts are normal) in a planted tank is just a sign you're doing something wrong; improper lighting, too much phosphates/nitrogen, ph too high/co2 too low. Address those issues, and you will have no algae to speak of.