why do my ottos die???

R

renie

AC Members
Jan 3, 2005
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Hi, I have been trying to keep two ottos and they keep dying on me. One last over 2 months, seemed really content, and for the last two days he was hanging under my veggie clip, and then I found him laying on the bottom of the tank. :sad he was so sweet. I've replaced my other ottos, and they don't last very long. I do weekly gravel vacs/water changes, my water parameters are always good--no ammonia, no trites or trates. Even had my LFS check my water. I do occasionally add small amount of Aquarium Salt.

I have a 20 gallon tank, three live plants; 3 cories; 5 neon tetras and two platies.
 
renie said:
I do occasionally add small amount of Aquarium Salt.
Click to expand...

hm, from what i've heard, otos don't like salt much. maybe that's the problem?
 
I would stop adding salt. There is no need for it except in certain cases, and otos don't do well with salt in the water long-term.

Also be sure to buy otos that appear healthy with full, rounded bellies, and preferably ones that have been in the store for a couple of weeks or longer. And make sure they get plenty to eat once you get them (sounds like you've been feeding veggies, which is good).
 
Keep in mind that ottos primarily eat algae. Perhaps you're over cleaning and not enough algae is growing to satisfy their algae needs? You can buy algae pellets to supplement, worth a try?
 
I wouldn't beat yourself up too much about it. I've had no luck at all with keeping oto's alive. For me they're like neons.
 
The salt can certainly be a detriment to your ottos. Take a peek at this link http://www.otocinclus.com/newoto.html. I found it helpful last year when I purchased my first ottos. I actually purchased them online. They are all still thriving. I personally think that a heavily planted tank increases your chance for keeping these little critters alive. Is it possible for you to increase your plant mass?

Scott

Scott
 
You might want to pick up some algae wafers. I lost one because the poor thing was starving. keep an eye on them and make sure they continue to have a good sized belly on them, and supplement as required. Just be careful: sometimes they seem to prefer the wafers and will quit cleaning the tank :)
 
scottracy said:
The salt can certainly be a detriment to your ottos. Take a peek at this link http://www.otocinclus.com/newoto.html. I found it helpful last year when I purchased my first ottos. I actually purchased them online. They are all still thriving. I personally think that a heavily planted tank increases your chance for keeping these little critters alive. Is it possible for you to increase your plant mass?

Scott

Scott
Click to expand...

Scott, thanks, I am reading it now!
 
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