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I want to get 2 ottos for my tank, but I'm worried that I will have enough algae to feed them. Will they eat algae wafers, or other foods? Or if I only got 1 otto, would it be freaked out being the only one in my tank? I really hope these guys aren't picky eaters.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

You can put a rock in a container of water and put it on a window ledge or something, where it will get enough sun to grow algae. Pop it in the tank and there you go!

Try fresh vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, lettuce...), they may go for that. Just make sure the veggies aren't in the tank too long. It should make a lovely fishie feast.

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

My ots eat algae wafers, sinking granules(tetra brand), and they'll occasionally steal a shrimp pellet from my cories.

So I take it that they will not eat algae exclusively? That's good news to hear. I guess I should go ahead and get 2, then. A third would be a possibility later, too.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Three I would consider a minimum number.

This thread might help you also ...

http://www.fishprofiles.com/interactive/forums/thread.asp?id=16674&page=1

And so should this ...

http://www.fishprofiles.com/interactive/forums/thread.asp?id=43943

[span class="edited"][Edited by Calilasseia 2004-07-28 08:43][/span]

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

I've never seen mine eat anything othetr than algea or alge suplements, but they sure love spirulina tablets.

A possibility to consider.

Mbunas and "herbivorous" Cichlids actually graze on a live substrate which the Germans term Aufwuchs. I've yet to see a corresponding English word, so bear with me! Apparently this consists of algal mats with lots of small creatures living inside it.

It's just possible that Otocinclus in the wild graze upon a similar substrate, mostly for the algal content, but also relish a little 'bratwurst' supplement to the salad as a consequence.

It would be interesting to experiment, and give Otocinclus in an aquarium a choice of algal only mats, and algae with small things living in it. How one would do this is a challenge I shall leave to professional experimental scientists for now, but the outcome of such an experiment would be interesting.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

"You can put a rock in a container of water and put it on a window ledge or something, where it will get enough sun to grow algae."

Kitten, how long does it take for the algae to grow on the rock? Does the rock have to be real? Is there anything else that has to be added to the water for the algae to grow?

Put your rock in with some old water from your aquarium, the water you dispose of after a water change, as it will have lots of nitrates in it to fertilise the algae. Which should grow like stink in bright sunshine. About 3 days in bright sunshine with lots of algae and you should have some nice fur for your Otocinclus to snack upon.

Be advised, however, you may need to have lots of rocks or bits of bogwood in rotation, as my Otocinclus can wipe a rock clean in about 30 minutes. But I DO have 7 of them!

You could also let algae grow on those otherwise hideous plastic divers, skeletons and other tacky aquarium ornaments that otherwise have no place in a PROPER aquarium. (Doffs top hat as he speaks ... )

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

...but the diving dog is cool in any tank!

The WHAT????



Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

You know... the diving sea-dog! It's a classic! So tacky, it's cool (weelll, almost)!
http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=545