Amnagrla

I've been calling around to all the LFS in my area... no one has had oto's in over a month. BUT!! I finally found one that has some. The Petco in Woburn, MA just got a bunch in so I'll be going there in a few hours.

The oto is the last addition to my tank. Since I can only put one in (my tank is going to be about 1" overstocked but I'm thinking of splitting the tank up.. ) ANYWAYS.... since I can only have one (for now) should I get a male or female? Or does it not matter?

Thanks!!

Howeyg

no idea if it matters the gender but congrats i cant seem to find one in my area either

ecnaj143

It really doesn't matter if its a male or female

vin

It doesn't matter and to be honest, it's difficult to tell the difference...I'm about 3" ovestocked...If you don;t mind really keeping on top of your tank maintenance, you may want to think about getting two......It would be for their benefit to keep more than one. Otos are not very active. While they do produce waste, they use less oxygen then more active fish.

Also, when choosing, be sure to select ones with little round bellies....This would indicate that they've been eating. The most critical point of survival with Otos is generally the first 2-3 weeks... Be sure your water parameters are correct and make sure you acclimate them to your water properly before adding them to your tank. Don't be surprised if they hide or set stationary in one spot for long periods of time at first. If you don't have algae in your tank it might be difficult to get them to eat. Some don't take readily to wafers or other fresh vegetables. I waited until I had a good algae base before getting mine. Now they're happy as can be with constantly full bellies!

Amnagrla

I always stay on top of it. I do WC every sunday. lol So is this a general thing? It would be better to get two even if it'll make me 2" overstocked?

And for the first few feedings, should I make sure there are pellet food and a piece of veggie in there?
Is there a good pellet I should get?
And should I peel the cucumber before putting it in?
How long should I leave a veg. in the tank before taking it out and putting in a new one? Sheesh! So many quesitons!

ecnaj143

I'm 4.5" overstocked and my fish are as happy as can be!!! I would hold off on the water changes until you get some algae growing in your tank.

Amnagrla

Yeah. lol I did my water change yesterday because I didn't think I would find an oto so soon! lol I didn't scrap the back wall or my plants/colluseum so hopefully it's enough for a few days.

I think I asked this in my plant post (oops!) not here...

are there good pellets I should get?
do they like peeled or unpeeled cucumbers?
what other veggies do they like?

ecnaj143

To be honest, I have no idea. I'm not into otos and things like that.

vin

Don't hold off on the water changes as they have nothing to do with algae growth....Continue as you would normally. Your fish store should have a variety of algae and spirulina wafers that you can try, but it sounds like you have a nice little colony growing. That may be enough.....They won't clean it all in a day, plus it will continue to grow keeping them fed.

2" of overstock is not excessive if you keep up with the water changes. Just keep an eye on the parameters. As mentioned, I'm about 3" overstocked and have been fine for several years.

As for the cucumber, I'm not sure....I haven't had that problem so I don't want to answer incorrectly. I have heard that others have fed steamed zucchini with success.

ecnaj143

I will agree to disagree with the algae.

vin

That's OK by me, but the prime causes of algae are over feeding and excess lighting.....

Amnagrla

haha just kidding.

I've been on an oto info spree today on the internet. My history looks like I'm an addict!

Is there any special way to put them in the tank? Or is it the same as every fish?

vin

Same as any other fish. Just be sure to add your tank water to theirs so that the ratio is even....Meaning double the original volume in their bag/container and let them stay in there a little longer than you normally would.

ecnaj143

over feeding adds to what is needed for algae, when you do a water change. it erases the over feeding, so basicly you back to sqaure 1. With fresh water.

I agree with excess lighting or not enough lighting, depends on if you want green or brown algae.

vin

You're right...We'll go round and round on this one......

ecnaj143

LOL!!! Sometimes its good for a nice debate.

vin

ecnaj143

BTW, nice cobra!!!

vin

Thanks.....

Amnagrla

lol I love you guys....

ecnaj143

What can I say? We're just lovable guys!!!

Amnagrla

lol that's what makes this place great.

ecnaj143

Awwww, I feel special!!!

Amnagrla

I bought two of them!!! hahaha

Only problem is... I dropped in an algae wafer and my 3 mollies won't leave it alone! They are eating it so intensely!

I also bought a bunch of plants! I'm so happy with my finished tank!!!

WHOOOHOO!!! It's done!

But... I was so close to buying a betta when I was at "DeathCo" lol... it's a good thing I have nowhere to put it..

Amnagrla

One oto is quite happy on the front glass. But I have lost the other one!!

I know that people say they will hide and if you can't find your algae eater, he's probably happy! But I was hoping to watch him tonight..

How to I sex them?

Jacko

My otos went missing for the first day then showed up again the next day and I have always been able to see all three, they are very curious fish so they are probably just out exploring your tank.

The females tend to be more boxy in shape, and I guess that would mean the males less boxy in shape.

capekate

Good luck with your otos. I just love them. Got three of them about 20 days ago to help eat up the diatoms in my tank. I thought at first that it would take alot more than that, but I couldn't believe what a great job these three do. They are such neat lil guys and Ive really grown to love them. What personalities they have lol..
I know sometimes when I look around for them, I cant find one or two. You would be surprised how good they are at camouflaging themselves in among the plants. So don't worry yours is probably just hanging out on a plant leaf somewhere. Good luck with your otos!!

Amnagrla

People keep saying diatoms... what is that??

capekate

well others can explain it better than I can. Its that brown stuff that looks like algae but it isn't. Its an aquatic organism that is found they say in recently cycled tanks. Its not harmful and doesn't effect the fish at all, and from others I learned that the otos really love to eat it. And from my experience I find that true.

COBettaCouple

it's a conspiracy -- diatoms are really poop from sub-atomic fish aliens..

capekate nailed it right on, that's a great description of diatoms and it definitely is a treat for otos.