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i have a group of 8 ottos in a 20 long, in the tank is 2 lemon tetras.


anyway, i want to increase the number, what would be a good number to add, and i want an even school.

Since the only other thing you have in there is the lemon tetras, you could add about 4 more, but keep in mind that they are very sensitive and some will only eat algea

Inky

I'd leave the Otocinclus numbers alone and bring your Lemon Tetra shoal up to 8. you already have 8 Otocinclus in there, and 8 is more than adequate a group in your setup to keep them blissfully happy, especially if you're giving them regular algae treats! If you're thinking of expanding the Otocinclus pool to 12 for breeding purposes (though I hasten to add that breeding these fishes is a challenge even though the venerable Innes book mentioned numerous clues way back in the late 1930s) then you could run with that, but I'd give your Lemon Tetra pair some playmates. If you decide on this course of action, then you would be looking at 12 Otocinclus and 6 Lemons as a stocking list to aim for.

Mind you, I have to take my hat off to you for keeping a decent sized group of Otocinclus - yours should be happy little fishes, especially if your aquarium is decently planted and they have caves to explore!


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

I also agree with adding more Lemon Tetras, as they are schoolers aswell. The Otos will be fine, as they are already in a good number.



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Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
http://www.maltaaquarist.com

the only problem is, i cant find any around me. i went back to the lfs and they had no more. guessing b/c they were on like a special sale thing. i am going to a different place mon, and see if he has any.