Isabella

I've been told on Plant Geek that true SAEs can eat Java Moss. I still have to see that. But that piece of info has prompted me to think about Otos as well as all other algae eaters. (I've already ordered 1 SAE, and will get it if they'll have it; and I also want to order a few Otos).

Does anyone here have Otos and Java Moss in one tank? Or does anyone know if Otos eat Java Moss? Do you know if any other algae eaters eat mosses as well?

Thanks up front for any info

sirdarksol

As far as I know, they don't eat Java Moss, but I have not actually tested this.

Isabella

Thanks Sirdarksol. I hope they don't eat it! I want to buy some, maybe 4 (but don't know if they'll be happy in such a small group?).

P.S. I am getting closer to finishing stocking my 75 gal. tank. And that means, I am getting closer to getting Rams! Can't wait for the Rams! (I decided to buy Rams last.)

sirdarksol

I had two that seemed pretty happy, but they also only lived about nine months, so I'm not positive.
I doubt that they will damage the Java Moss enough to keep it down. They seem to prefer to spend time on more solid surfaces, so they'll probably leave the Java Moss alone unless they get really hungry.

Jacko

I have not had my otos eating my Java Moss. I don't think they could because Java Moss is harder than any hair algae and they don't eat that, plus they only eat microscopic things. I think.

Tom

I have 6 different otos with java moss and I don't have any problems with them, I have even had my otos breed in it, so they must love it.
Tom

Isabella

Tom, that's cool Since you had different types of Otos, what kinds of Otos are best algae eaters in your opinion? BTW, so there are even different varieties of Otos? Will different varieties of Otos school?

I want to have about 4 of them. Do you think that's too small a number for them? BTW, Carol says it's OK I think 4 Otos and 1 SAE should be enough to take care of a 75 gallon tank, right?

Or maybe I should just have 6 Otos instead? Hmm.

neverendingninja

Well, I never caught my SAE or otos eating java moss.

My SAE seemed happy for a while, but then it started to act a bit neurotic. When I purchased him, I didn't realize they like to be in groups. He followed the otos around a lot, but never harmed them.

The otos, which I did buy in a group, are rarely together, but are very calm. They occassionaly swim by each other, seemingly to say hi, but other than that, very little interaction.

I think 4 otos and 1 SAE would do fine, but keep in mind SAEs get 4.5" to 6", and it may be unhappy alone. I would say you could use 6 otos and no SAEs if you can't keep more than one SAE, and don't want it to be alone.

Isabella

Hmm, I see what you're saying Ninja. The reason I decided for one SAE and a few Otos is that Mr. Waxhead said he has 1 SAE and a few Otos and they're all doing perfectly well together. But, I have also read SAEs like to be in groups. But then again, I would not want more than one 5-6" algae eaters. I know an algae eater of this size does produce considerable amount of wastes, so 2 of them would mean double that amount of wastes. I think 4-6 Otos would produce about the same amount of wastes that one SAE does. Another reason I wanted to combine SAE with Otos is that SAEs eat black brush algae, which no other algae eaters will eat. I don't have this type of algae in my 75 gallon tank (at least not yet), so the idea was to get the SAE before this type of algae ever appears in my tank. I have this type of algae in my 30 gallon tank and I know it's virtually impossible to remove it from live plants without destroying these plants. In a 75 gallon tank full of live plants, this type of algae would be a death sentence for my plants; that is, if the 75 gal. tank ever got this type of algae. Anyway, I really wouldn't want my SAE to be unhappy alone. So maybe I should first just get 4 Otos and see how they'll do? And in case I get black brush algae, I should then get a SAE? But then again, one SAE wouldn't be happy alone, would it?

No idea what to do

Tom

Sorry, I have one tank with 4 otos, and 2 tanks with 1 oto each, it is the same oto. But they don't eat any of the java moss in any of my tanks. I think that one SAE and a few otos would be fine in a 75 gallon tank, as long as there isn't anything that can eat the otos and SAE.
Tom

neverendingninja

I understand your dilemma, Isabella. I would say go with the 4 otos and 1 SAE. All fish are different, he may be happy alone. Mine did not get aggressive until I introduced new fish, then he chased them around, but did not bite. Instead, he just swam up and down the rear glass for hours at a time. I gave him to the folks at my LFS to fight over. Neither of them believed me I got him from the PetSmart just 5 minutes down the road, as they both ordered theirs from azgardens.com

Anyhow...to continue with whether or not fish eat java moss, I was just watching my Farlowella cat clean my java moss, and he didn't eat a single tiny leaf as far as I can tell! I don't think you have anything to worry about with them eating your plants, really.

P.S. how is that baby cherry barb doing?

armadillo

I've never seen my otos come even near the java moss. They don't seem to be interested.

Isabella

OK, I guess your responses set me a bit more at ease, lol. Thanks everyone

Ninja, ah the baby Cherry Barb! In fact, she's doing great! Thanks for asking I have taken some pictures of her, so I will post them as soon as I can (in the thread about her). She's extremely anxious to get out of the net, but she's still too small to be let out (the filter's intake tube can suck her in). Though I do let her out now, for a few minutes, after every water change - during which time I watch her non-stop. (She's in my 10 gallon Q tank now with 4 Harlequin Rasboras). And apparently, when she's let out, she thinks she's a Harlequin Rasbora, lol She keeps following my Harlequins wherever they go. It looks so funny because she's so tiny - almost looks like an unwanted "fifth wheel". The Harlequins don't even pay attention to her, but she keeps shoaling with them nevertheless. I am guessing she really wants to be in a group already, and that she really dislikes the net. But I can't do anything else right now, as she's still too small to be let out. Perhaps I'll let her out in a month or so. She'll be in the 10 gal. tank until she grows large enough to be transferred to the 75 gal. tank and join the rest of the Cherry Barbs. OK, enough for now. I'll write more about her when I post the pics