If it is a persistent problem then I would guess that there is an excess of silicates in the water. I really wish I could grow diatoms, but have had none since my tanks were new and haven't been able to "farm" any so far. I plan to order some diatom food (mostly silicates) for further experimentation.
Otos
- Thread starter VTwinFanatic
- Start date
The tank has been up for about three months....so its still quite new. I just dont like the looks of it. I just get tired of wiping the glass in teh morning and then its back by the end of the day. I know that SAEs clean it well, but they are way too big. I dont know what else to do...does anyone?
What do you have for lighting over the tank? How about filtration?
If you do in fact have excess silicates, I think there are ways to remove it through chemical filtration. It wouldn't hurt to get a silicate test if possible. I suspect it may be the cause.
If you do in fact have excess silicates, I think there are ways to remove it through chemical filtration. It wouldn't hurt to get a silicate test if possible. I suspect it may be the cause.
I didn't vote because you have no 'They're OK, I guess' option. When people at work ask me about getting an algae eater, a lot of them are surprised to hear otos and plecos add to their fish load! I always tell them a sponge on a stick doesn't!
those get get so agrresive they attach to fish as they get large and old. Farawellas are definently #1 on my list!!
fyi, new tanks leach silicates from the glass..brown algae can gro w with ot without light and generallly the combination of silicates and phosphates create a rich environment for brn algae..that being said..I had a new 10 gal..changed water frrequently and tried keeping the feeding down..no luck I got tried to keep on top of it.thenfinally broke down and got an otto. the tank is sparsely populated and the single otto has kept the algae in check.
yes I heard they do better in groups..but I also read they survive well singly.
word of caution.make sure that the lfs has had these ottos for a few weeks.
there has been high mortality of ottos in the past.
so far(knockon wood) mine has been alive for two months
yes I heard they do better in groups..but I also read they survive well singly.
word of caution.make sure that the lfs has had these ottos for a few weeks.
there has been high mortality of ottos in the past.
so far(knockon wood) mine has been alive for two months
sky.eyes.woman said:
I like my otos much more than my sponge on a stick though
But I agree with your point. Too many people buy otos just for algae control, and not because they really want to keep the fish.
Dont get me wrong, I love otos, I just dont know how well they keep algae problems under control, i have a group of zebra otos in my 10 and love to watch them.
How many zebras do you have, and how long have you had them? You wouldn't be interested in selling them would you 
I have at least a dozen (I can't find my notebook with the actual count), and am always on the lookout for more. They're one of my favorite fish and I plan to try spawning them as soon as I can come up with a good method of raising my Hisonotus fry.
By the way, if you already have otos you can drop one in your tank whenever the diatoms appear. Otos (and especially zebras) will make it dissapear in no time. I wouldn't leave them in there long-term, but they would love to be dropped into a diatom infested tank for a feast!
I have at least a dozen (I can't find my notebook with the actual count), and am always on the lookout for more. They're one of my favorite fish and I plan to try spawning them as soon as I can come up with a good method of raising my Hisonotus fry.
By the way, if you already have otos you can drop one in your tank whenever the diatoms appear. Otos (and especially zebras) will make it dissapear in no time. I wouldn't leave them in there long-term, but they would love to be dropped into a diatom infested tank for a feast!
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