What is it called
- Thread starter Jay223
- Start date
Its a otto. Yes they eat algae and should be in groups. They aren't good for cycling and need good water conditions in order to thrive.
their full name is Otocinclus species, they are usually O. affinis, but there are least two others. People usually call them "oto"s for short.
Don't get them just to remove algae. Once they eat the algae, they go very hungry and require supplemental feeding. They don't eat usually prepared foods (like pellets, wafers, flakes), so are difficult to feed. They are also very sensitive to water quality.
I say, just do a little work and scrub it off. Also, figure out what's causing the algal growth. Are you changing water often enough? What's your bioload (what's living in their)? Is it overstocked or are you overfeeding? The last two will usually result in too many nutrients for algae (nitrate, phosphate). You can reduce the amount of nutrients through frequent water changes.
besides, it sounds like your tanks are having issues with stocking/aggression, and possibly illnesses (BAC killer), i'd say you need to settle those before you get any more fish. ESPECIALLY an algae-eating fish. they're a lot more trouble than most people appreciate.
Don't get them just to remove algae. Once they eat the algae, they go very hungry and require supplemental feeding. They don't eat usually prepared foods (like pellets, wafers, flakes), so are difficult to feed. They are also very sensitive to water quality.
I say, just do a little work and scrub it off. Also, figure out what's causing the algal growth. Are you changing water often enough? What's your bioload (what's living in their)? Is it overstocked or are you overfeeding? The last two will usually result in too many nutrients for algae (nitrate, phosphate). You can reduce the amount of nutrients through frequent water changes.
besides, it sounds like your tanks are having issues with stocking/aggression, and possibly illnesses (BAC killer), i'd say you need to settle those before you get any more fish. ESPECIALLY an algae-eating fish. they're a lot more trouble than most people appreciate.
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'S probably because the Omega One is such a high quality food. I've found it's better across the board and my fish never reject it, even pickiest eaters!!!