I am setting up a 65g planted discus tank that will be recieving light from at least 96 watts. Today I bought 3 oto cats and I was wondering how many I should need to keep the tank clean of algae. How many otos is too many? I do not want to have to supplement their diet...
otocinclus stocking
- Thread starter beavertayl1
- Start date
I usually get about 1 per 5 gallon, or less if I have shrimp. Either shrimp or otos at 1 per 5 gallons, more or less.
How about 10 Amano shrimp and 6 otos? You may lose an oto or two at the start.
How about 10 Amano shrimp and 6 otos? You may lose an oto or two at the start.
I wouldn't get more than 1 per 10 gallons, but if your plants are doing super well and not much algae is growing you might not be able to keep them that densely stocked.
the other thing to consider is that they eat alot more when they are little(hollow tails or something) and slow down after they get full grown. so unless they have lots to eat initially they have a harder time getting established after being somewhat starved getting to your tank from the wild
the other thing to consider is that they eat alot more when they are little(hollow tails or something) and slow down after they get full grown. so unless they have lots to eat initially they have a harder time getting established after being somewhat starved getting to your tank from the wild
Unfortunately, it can be very tricky to have a school of otos with 0 extra supplements, same as any other critter that primarily feeds on diatoms in the aquarium.
A big factor here will be how healthy of a planted tank you have. If the plants out-compete virtually all algaes, yer gonna have to supplement no matter what, even with just a few otos. On the other hand, if things are unbalanced to the point where an abundance of algae grows, the otos will be set for life. (but the tank might not be too happy)
Fortunately, 65g is huge and ~100w is more than enuff juice to grow tons of algae. You could easily have a school of 10 otos that never need to be fed, but again it all depends on tank balance and how much algae you can produce.
I like feeding my oto's, they are actually pretty fun to watch. They devour any form of squash I give them, and like pretty much any other veggies too. A quick 30 second steam in the microwave seems to make it go faster (they like it more)
A big factor here will be how healthy of a planted tank you have. If the plants out-compete virtually all algaes, yer gonna have to supplement no matter what, even with just a few otos. On the other hand, if things are unbalanced to the point where an abundance of algae grows, the otos will be set for life. (but the tank might not be too happy)
Fortunately, 65g is huge and ~100w is more than enuff juice to grow tons of algae. You could easily have a school of 10 otos that never need to be fed, but again it all depends on tank balance and how much algae you can produce.
I like feeding my oto's, they are actually pretty fun to watch. They devour any form of squash I give them, and like pretty much any other veggies too. A quick 30 second steam in the microwave seems to make it go faster (they like it more)
alright, thanks for all the help guys. I think I will just stick with three until I get the plants growing and then see if more are needed...but I will remember not to add more than 1 per 10 gallon.
What are amano shrimp? Can they survive at 80+ degrees in a discus tank?
What are amano shrimp? Can they survive at 80+ degrees in a discus tank?
otocunnilingus,
My Oto's or Pleco doesnt seem to like the veggies I've dropped in the tank. Is that something that they will have to get used to?
I dont even think they noticed that the squash and cucumber was in the tank.
My Oto's or Pleco doesnt seem to like the veggies I've dropped in the tank. Is that something that they will have to get used to?
I dont even think they noticed that the squash and cucumber was in the tank.
Dangerdoll
Global Moderator
I'm not sure of the oto's Jamz but I do know that as your pleco gets bigger, he will notice the veggies are there and go for them. Mine didn't react to the veggies when he was smaller either, but now he practically demands them.... *sigh* I gotta get my tank back....
he he he
:OT:
Speaking of getting bigger....I have only had my pl3co for about 2 weeks. When I got him he was about 2.5" long...in about 2 weeks it seems he has grown 2 inches...he looks about 4-5 inches long now. Is 2 inches of growth normal, or am I on crack?
:OT:
Speaking of getting bigger....I have only had my pl3co for about 2 weeks. When I got him he was about 2.5" long...in about 2 weeks it seems he has grown 2 inches...he looks about 4-5 inches long now. Is 2 inches of growth normal, or am I on crack?
beavertayl1 said:
Are Amano shrimp the same as Ghost shrimp?
If so, the temp shouldnt bother them, I had my heat cranked up (by accident) for a long time at about 82 degrees...they seemed fine...more active actually. I lowered the temp slowly over a couple of days (got it at 76 now), and they are still holding on strong.
Now the discus, Im not to sure about. How hungry are they?
Dangerdoll
Global Moderator
jamzwayne said:
they grow unbelievably quick J... especially in a 55 gallon. Your little guy is gonna be a whopping 12"+ - 15"+ in no time. You think you're fond of him now? Just wait until he is the main focus of the tank
