Ottcinclus Cats

[NoчnoyGostь]

I bought Ottocinclus Catfishes a couple of weeks ago to help control algae problems and at first everything seemed ok - they were scurying around the aquarium, munching on algae, but now they just sit on the leaves of my cryptocorynes or glass and move only every so often, while the algae is spreading across the glass of the aquarium.
Their bellies look big enough, so I think that they are getting enough to eat, could it be that algae is growing too fast for them to eat? is their behavior normal?
My algae is brownish yellow, do they eat that kind? Maybe I should get another type of algae eater, if so what kind would compatible with the Otto's (aggression-wise)?
I know it is a lot of questions, but what I'm basically asking for is any information you have on the bahavior of these little guys.
Thanks in advance.

P.S. I was planning to add some fast growing plants, I heard that helps in controlling algae, but I can't get any at the moment.

 

[jeep8rus]

http://www.otocinclus.com/ is a dedicated site to them and answers many of your questions.

-Russ

 

[sumoschro]

In my opinion, nothing beats 5 or 6 oto's or true SAE's in an aquarium, because they eat pretty much all algae and eat it fast. How many oto's do you have in your tank? If they are being sluggish in the aquarium it could mean your temperature is too low. My oto's did the same thing when my water was down at 74, but I raised the temp. to 78 and now they scurry about everywhere. And about the plants, they will help curb algae if you have enough of them because they will outcompete the algae for food sources in the aquarium. Depending on how much algae you have they may realy be trying their hardest to eat it all....I know my otos are pigs though.

 

[Leopardess]

NoчnoyGostь, otos can only eat so much. Plus, their sole purpose in an aquarium shouldn't really be only to eat algae. They don't work miracles. They can help keep it down, but they won't magically fix all of your problems. They're neat enough creatures on their own, and hey, if they eat some of our algae, then all the better.

They eat most soft algea/diatoms. They won't touch anything filamentous and don't eat hard green spot algae. They also appreciate supplements of blanched lettuce/spinach, zucchini and cucumber slices.

The behaviour you describe is perfectly normal. Beside, otos are primarily nocturnal creatures and move about at night.

Adding fast growing plants, lessening the photoperiod, and keeping the water clean and free of excess nitrates/phosphates/etc is your best bet in reducing algae. A little algae is a good thing, btw.

 

[NoчnoyGostь]

Thanks for all the help. The website is very good.
I currently have two ottos in my 10 G tank and four in a 55 G, is that enough? I was thinking of adding more, but I heard that they eat all day long and can starve if there isn't enough of food. (I'm not made of zuccinis )
I know they can't rid the tank of algae, but it still would be nice to see them munching on algae, and besides algae is why I want to add plants such as riccia, hornwort, etc. and speaking of plants I heard that duckweed does a good job of sucking up nutrients, do you know any related plants, only with slightly larger leaves and roots?

 

[kveeti]

I heard that duckweed does a good job of sucking up nutrients, do you know any related plants, only with slightly larger leaves and roots?

Salvinia natans, not related but the same idea, leaves are about 1/4 inch across, so if you ever want to get rid of it, it's big enough to catch all the pieces, unlike duckweed where a bitty missed piece will continue to multiply. Mine doubles every second week under low light conditions; luckily I finally found an LFS willing to take it, it used to go into the compost bin.
Info page on it: http://www.washjeff.edu/greenhouse/Snatans/#taxonomy

 

[NoчnoyGostь]

Thanks, I'll see if I can find some.

 

[knashash]

Agree that ottos should not be used as a sole controller of algae.....the help, but nothing can replace tank maintenance...no matter how many ottos you get.

Water Sprite and Wisteria would also be good choices for fast growing nutrient suckers. Just make sure your meeting the plants needs as well otherwise you will have algae AND dying plants on your hands.....