I have a small (10 gallon) planted tank which has been running for several months, and I currently have some rummynose tetras that seem to be doing quite well. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the Otocinclus. I have bought several "batches" of 3-4 fish each, and it seems that every time they all die within a week or so. I have the temp set at 78, the water is very soft and acid (ph averages about 6.0-6.5, but it has on occasion dipped into the 5's due to the CO2 injection and very soft water... I've started using a ph buffer), no ammonia, no nitrite, and I change about 75% of the water weekly. I simply don't know what the problem is. I was thinking that it could be the PH fluctuations, but I really do not know. Until I figure out whats killing them, I fear I may have to give up on these little guys. Please help!
Why do my Otocinclus keep dying?
- Thread starter FlyinFoodieGuy
- Start date
When you get them, pick the ones that have been there the longest and have fat, round bellies. They are picky eaters and sometimes starve to death especially if the LFS keeps their tanks really clean and don't know how to feed them. If you get fat ones that means they are eating and should transition well to your tank. Mine eat Hakari sinking krill pellets, bottom feeder pellets, algea wafers and love blanched zuchinni. You can see this one's rounded little belly. He is a pretty healthy looking fish.
Your water maybe the problem. You have a vary low PH and likely also very low KH and GH values. I would test both GH and KH. You'll need at least 4 degrees on each of these to support your ottos.
Best wishes!
echoofformless
Peat Advocate & Defender Of Snails
I have never found rhyme or reason for oto survival. Most of them do die rather quickly.
I have only had one survive long term. He came in a group of five; the other four were dead within weeks but this one is still with me after three years. (This of course flies in the face of the claim that otos need to be in groups - I've never seen a happier, healthier oto in my life. I dare not add any more for fear of it making him unhappy.)
I have only had one survive long term. He came in a group of five; the other four were dead within weeks but this one is still with me after three years. (This of course flies in the face of the claim that otos need to be in groups - I've never seen a happier, healthier oto in my life. I dare not add any more for fear of it making him unhappy.)
I've found otos to be rather difficult to transition from one tank to another. That's why I usually buy one or two more than I "want". So far, I've been able to maintain an 80-90% survival rate.
Slow drip acclimation helps....a lot.
Slow drip acclimation helps....a lot.
I never had good luck with these guys either. If they survive 3 months, they will survive for years. Just like Neons and Cardinals.
I've only had 3 Otos...two different tanks, all have survived quite well. Never a problem. However, I often get the comment that mine "look larger" than people expect...and that's how I got them. I got them from a really good quality store where they were fed well BEFORE I got them...they were nice & chubby when I adopted them. Since then, they have maintained a very healthy weight by eating wafers, blanched veggies, and homemade snail jello. There is not much algae in either tank, and I don't consider that their food source (if they eat it, great, but I make sure they get enough other stuff).
So...my suggestions...buy healthy ones that are larger with round bellies, use drip acclimation, and feed well.
So...my suggestions...buy healthy ones that are larger with round bellies, use drip acclimation, and feed well.