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I have two ottos in a ten gallon tank, but the only time i ever see them is there panniced and crazed frenzy to hide whenevwer I turn on the lights!! Ot least one of them always looks so pale?? They live with a school of corys, so agression is more or less out of the question.


pH 7.2
ammonia: 0
nitrites :0
nitrates: 10ppm
hardness: 110 ppm
temp: 80f

One, do they have caves to hide in? Or bogwood arches to shelter under? And for that matter, enough so that they don't have to push the Corys out of bed, so to speak? If not, I'd provide them with some - that way they'd be less likely to panic at "lights on".

Two, I'd gradually reduce both your pH and hardness. Otocinclus and Corys are South Americans that like it soft and slightly acidic. You should be looking at a pH of 6.8 ideally, and hardness around 4dH (which is around 45ppm if my calculations aren't off beam).

Three, grow some algae on rocks for them. The infamous "Otocinclus Pet Rock" method. Rock in jar of water on sunny windowsill, add some water from the aquarium with a helping of fish poo, hey presto, green fur on rock, and happy Ottos.

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002