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Hey guys!
I have recently got 3 otos in my 280L tank but will buy more.
How many should i get?..7 more to be 10!
And what is the lifespan of them?

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I know human beings and fish can co-exist peacefully.

I'd say go ahead and get about 15 more. For them to have any appreciable impact on algae in a tank that big, you're going to need a lot of them. Besides, there is always the "Otto die-off rule of thumb" -- ottos are notoriously hard to acclimate, and you should expect to lose at least some of them. Once they are established they are quite hardy, but it can just be a little difficult to get them there.

As far as life span, I've had 6 that are going on about 4 and a half years in my tank and show no signs of stopping. I know that Cali had some which lasted over 9 years, so they will last a good long while given proper conditions.

Thanks
I dont have a algea problem..i am giving the ottos algeas from the rock i leave outside in a tank and then they get algeas on them i putt them in the tank and the ottos are straight on it!
I had these ottos for around a week and they do fine.
15 more i dont think i can find,but i know a lfs that has 4-5 left.
Thanks for the info

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I know human beings and fish can co-exist peacefully.

Im sure that just 8 would be fine, its probably better not to have so many they find running out of food a problem. 8 or so is a nice number, good company for them. Dont really need more than that.

Yeah, I guess 15 was a bit excessive. Sorry 'bout that. I guess I just have a thing for ottos, and with that many in there you might actually stand a chance of seeing one now and again.

Lol joe, I know what you mean. I have six, and I only see two of them with any regularity.

If you dont have a lot of algae I would be carefull in how many you add. They are also very heavy poopers. I would only be adding three at a time and see how it goes You can also buy sinking algae tabs but some will and some will not even look at them.
This link should answer all of your questions about Ottos
OTTO INFO

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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Thanks for the help guys.
I think i will buy 2-3 more only.
They did eat some cucumber and raw potato that i was giving to my other plecs.
I dont have to many plants in my tank and need more plants,thinking of getting some anubias plants.
Thanks again guys

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I know human beings and fish can co-exist peacefully.

Rob
I have three Ottos at the moment in the Betta tank and they seem to prefer to eat the algae off the DW and a smooth rocks. It could be it grows faster there I actually just dont know.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

I have had 4 ottos for about 2 -3 weeks now. seem to be going well. Do they eat beard algae? MY 10 gal tan is growing it quite nicely at the moment but would like to get it under control.

Otocinclus probably won't eat beard algae, you'll probably have to remove that manually, but they'll eat several other types happily.

As for lifespan, one of mine lived over 9 years.

Hang on, I'll link to my huge Otocinclus post, which I posted some time ago and which should still be extant on the FishProfiles server ...

Here you go, the big Otocinclus article ... your one stop shop for all things Otto.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

I think you will find a SAE and or a Cherry Barb will do that for you. But a 10g is a bit small for a CAE unless you can get a small one then transfer him to a larger tank that is what I do for the Betta tank.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW