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http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum Catfish Forum - Otocinclus Catfish Profile. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:11:28 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/otocinclus/57896-what-normal-behavior-what-not.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:09:19 GMT *My tank stats and tank answers:* (I just checked these a few minutes ago) Ammonia:0ppm Nitrite:0ppm Nitrate:5.0 pH:In-between 7.2-2.6 Temperature:... My tank stats and tank answers:
(I just checked these a few minutes ago)

ammonia:0ppm
nitrite:0ppm
nitrate:5.0
pH:In-between 7.2-2.6
Temperature: I have an automatic heater that steadily stays at 78 F.

Recently I started to use Liquid Fertilizer and after a couple of weeks I started to have signs of big algae problem so I stopped using it. I have heard using liquid fertilizer tended to feed the algae and less beneficial for the plants than I thought. So I'm trying to start on fertilizer tablets for the roots of the plants instead. This is why I believe Nitrate is at 5.0

Currently I have 1 betta, 1 Inca snail and 5 otocinclus catfish.

I usually clean my tank 25% every week, but on a different day. (I am trying to make it a specific day so I wont forget.) I change my filters about a month. I clean my pump after 3-4 weeks.

I feed my otocinclus catfish mostly algae tablets and they eat on the tank sides. I used to feed them cucumbers not so much in more. Lacking in the fridge.

I have a cheap 5-10 gallon pump with biological filter and carbon filter. It's usually good enough to move the plants on one side.
My tank is a planted 10 gallon. All I do is siphon to clean the gravel and a wire brush to clean the pump and rarely scrub the sides of the tank.

I have had my tank setup for maybe about 4 or 5 months up before I added any fish to it. Mostly due to indecision at that time. I just kept a filter and pump it in running, gravel and a few plants. I've had these same things in it since I've added fish.

Problem/Question:

Anyway: I am worried about my otocinclus catfish. During the daytime they mostly stay hidden away in their log just sitting there. I do notice a few come out to suck on the tank, but only 2 of them together.

They mostly come out at night.

One in particular has got me worried, because it's nose and mouth is redder than the others. I notice them in general look to be breathing hard. I'm afraid the nitrate might bother their health and there might not be enough oxygen even from the pump.

Can you tell me if this is normal and any tips on reducing the nitrate if that's the problem? I added 2 Marimo (Moss) balls in there. I don't exactly want to bother with any algae killer. ]]> Otocinclus elusivemuffin http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/otocinclus/57896-what-normal-behavior-what-not.html