genie

Spikes tank is getting Algae. Can I put an otto with him... I think it would be OK, but I wanted to be sure.

Timesdragonfly

i don't remember what size tank you have him in. If it's a five gallon, two ottos would be good, if it's a ten gallon, i think four would be good (they like to be in groups. Make sure to rearrange the tank when you put the new fish in that way Spike has to stake out a new territory instead of defending the old one from the ottos. This should help prevent needless aggression. Some bettas won't tollerate tank mates, others do quite nicely, and seem to get upset when their tank mates aren't with them. ~J~

griffin

be careful of any aggression though. my betta tried to eat the ottos i put in there with him, but hopefully it'll work out for you

poefox

All said above is quite true. Just remember as well that otos also are big waste producers. Failing an oto get a mystery snail; they're interesting and bettas don't really bother them.

griffin

do mystery snails really produce less waste than ottos? i have a hard time believing that, having had both. the mystery snails i had were basically poop machines!

what are other people's experiences?

nmwierman1977

I wouldn't get a snail. They are they the biggest waste producer's you can get in my opinion. Oto's do poop a lot, but it's not that bad. They will do a great job cleaning the algae off in the tank. I think your safer with Oto's then you are with snails. Just make sure you either put new things in the tank or rearrange the tank. When you get the Oto's I would take the Betta out, re-arrange everything in the, then pt the oto's in and then the Betta. The betta will think he is in a completely different tank and hopefully won't be as territorial as they can be with new tank mates. I have 2 oto cats and a betta in my 5 gallon and they all get a long just fine. Natalie

genie

well I got 2 ottos. Spike was interested at first, but I think everything will be ok. If not, I will put the ottos in my big tank.

COBettaCouple

How goes things with Spike and his new tankmates? Good, I hope. Got any pics? we love pics.

genie

My ottos are masters of disguise- lol. I have the hardest time finding them in the tank, so I guess Spike doesn't mind. I couldn't find one of them last night and my husband said Spike ate him, he was really hiding on a leaf.

nmwierman1977

I'm constantly looking for my little one Barney. Always turning the tank around in circles looking for him. LOL. RJ looks at me & thinks I'm nuts. LOL Natalie

COBettaCouple

Genie - LOL.. those ottos are fun little fish. Sounds like fun for your hubby too. We might get some for Sora since he made us find a home for our corys by suddenly loving their food.. he still won't touch food other than bloodworms, peas & algae wafers though.

Natalie - i could say something, but i'll be good.. you know me. :P Really, I'm glad you're having such a good time with RJ.. he was worth the wait for sure.

nmwierman1977

Yes, dave I do know you. Smart move on your part. You know me also. Oops did I say that. : Natalie

COBettaCouple

Hmm.. is that setting a good example for RJ? LOL.. so, how are things going in Spike's tank, Genie?