The Oto Journal

[James0816]

Update 29-Mar-2011

So far so good with the Amano's. All of the eggs that I can see are still accounted for. They (Amanos) are pretty close to where the eggs are but so far have left them alone.

15% water change ahead of tomorrows anticipated hatching. Prepping fresh zucchini.

 

[user_name]

I'm now officially attempting to copy your breeding, I have 5 otos in my 10 gallon, rockscape with java moss and pool filter substrate. Any tips for getting eggs and then raising them?

 

[James0816]

I'm now officially attempting to copy your breeding, I have 5 otos in my 10 gallon, rockscape with java moss and pool filter substrate. Any tips for getting eggs and then raising them?

Kewlness! I wish you success in your endeavors as well. Any other plants in the tank other than moss? I would definately recommend stem plants with wide leaves. I have noticed that Bacopa Monnieri seems to be a big plus with them for some reason. The only moss I have in the breeders is Subwassertang. Definately would recommend heavy plant cover. I do like your idea of a rock scape and if you could work in a lot of plants too, I think that would be good environment. But check the water parms with the rocks for any adverse effects.

 

[James0816]

Update 30-Mar-2011

As expected, the eggs are hatching. I didn't make it home before the lights went out but using the lighting in the room, I was able to find (3) wigglers. Still no idea as to how many may be in there or how many to kind of sorta look for. We'll give er a go tomorrow and see what may be.

 

[user_name]

Congrats, and hopefully you'll find some more tommorow. I currently just have some java, along with a few broad leaved plants (anubias?) in there, but I plan on trying to add in some more to fill in the back and middle of the tank.

Params are all fine for the otos, the rocks haven't changed the PH, do you think I'll be better off with leaving the tank as just the otos? Or could I add in some schoolers which won't screw with the eggs + fry?

 

[James0816]

do you think I'll be better off with leaving the tank as just the otos? Or could I add in some schoolers which won't screw with the eggs + fry?

If you are going to attempt to breed them, I will advise on a species on tank. You can add some inverts to it but no other fishies.

 

[Chris W]

Made my first Jell-O mixture! Adding the yeast to it tonight, though I could only find "Brewer's Yeast" and not the recommended Wine/Champagne yeast; grabbed baker's yeast just in case. After that is done it will be time for the plants/re-scaping.

I am hoping that adding the CO2, live plants, and nutrient substrate below my gravel will not disrupt my established tank so much that I have to wait a few more weeks to re-stabilize it. Though I will be closely monitoring the few guppies/fry in there, and my reagent tests.

I've got to stop going to the pet stores just to drool on their Oto tanks. Perhaps this weekend will be the one!

 

[James0816]

I've got to stop going to the pet stores just to drool on their Oto tanks. Perhaps this weekend will be the one!

lol ... I always look at them myself too. But then again, I check all the tanks in hopes of one day there may be some new things.

 

[James0816]

Update 01-Apr-2011

No sign of any wigglers today.

Will continue to monitor the tank over the weekend. Otherwise, just routine maintenance.

I did unfortunately find a dead Tiger shrimp in the tank; female with eggs. Been a while since I tried to artificially hatch any eggs so I'm gonna give it another go. I striped the eggs and placed them in a tea ball. This was then placed directly over the air bubbles from the stone in the same tank. At last check, the eggs were getting good movement in there.

 

[James0816]

Been a rather busy day. Did manage to spend about 10 minutes in the fish room. I did spot a wiggler today. Awesome. Hopefully there are more but at least I managed to find one.