zizziz

ok so I have a 29g tank all nicely cycled with fish living happy in it. I was getting a bit lazy keeping after the algae and it was quite out of hand. I go to the LFS and get me 3 little tiny baby(?) otos and tossed then in there (corectly). Well, in about 3 days the tank was sparkling clean. holy they ate everything, i never had these before and I am new to the fish thing but what are they going to do, blow up? what are they going to eat since there aint nothing left... I might as well toss that algea brush in the garbage...

TFA101

No they will not explode... as far a I know, but they will have to be fed an algae alternative now that the source is no longer availble. spirulina flakes, sliced (organic) cucumber, and algae wafers seem to be fish food favorites with these guys

Bede

They are usually skinny and starving when you bring them home. They do plump right up though,don't they?

Mine really love zucchini. I par-boil it just a bit in the microwave before I put it in the tank. I just stick a fork in a piece so it will sink the the bottom and then drop it in.

DON'T leave it in there for more than 24 hours though. I did that once and I got a huge bacteria bloom in the water that took over a week before it eventually cleared up.

zizziz

organic cucumber? not just a regular one? par-boil, never heard of that term, what exactly is that? is it the same as boiling it in water on the stove for how ever long? i will check out the other stuff at the lfs too. lol i know they arent going to really explode, but I have da a visual, they are the coolest little guys

Lucy

Par Boiling is when you boil something for a short amount time, you don't fully cook it. This way, it keeps it's firmness and nutrients.

Bede

Yes, organic. Believe me, I fussed when I had to buy an organic zucchini for my fish. And,yes,parboiling is cooking the veggie very,very briefly in boiling water. You just want to soften them up abit. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be cooking up organic vegetables for my fish! LOL!

zizziz

HEHE, thanks!

Jess

I know I also "cook" for my fish : ) The ottos like a piece of zuccini par boiled in microwave for 25 sec. or so.

Bede, good idea about the fork or something to weight it down. I'll have to try that.