kahuna

Currently am cycling a 55 gal., once complete I need an algae eater. Had made up my mind on the Oto (was planning on approx 3) but visited my LFS today and was told an Oto is not sufficient for 55 gal. He suggested a clown pleco would be more effective, taking into account my not wanting anything over 6".

I know the Oto can be a risk as far as survival, but I get the impression the pleco is somewhat questionable on eating algae. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

AlyeskaGirl

I don't know much about Otos but what I do know is they are a schooling fish and are very sensitive to water conditions and are not recommended for newly cycled tanks. More for established tanks; 2 months or more after finishing cycling. You also need to supplement Algae wafers/rounds if not any algae in tank.

I would go with a Bristlenose or Clown Pleco for a 55 gal tank. They only get about 6". The common Pleco/Sailfin gets too big for your size tank. I do know that the common pleco gets lazy when it gets bigger not sure about the BN's etc.

coffeebean

i love otos. they are little and cute. if i was to put them in my 55 i would get more then 3....maybe 5 or 6.

kahuna

Thanks. I had not planned on putting anything in until the cycle was complete, but it makes sense to wait for a more established atmosphere. Guess I will have to either go with a pleco or wait a couple more months after cycle.

Shawnie

although some great suggestions above, im wondering why an algae eater? do you expect algae? not all tanks need them and most end up feeding substituted food as there sometimes isnt enough algae to keep them happy...do you just want some because?

pinkfloydpuffer

Hehe, that's why I have my pleco... there's not much algae but i just love him ^_^

mathas

It's a shame that the people who sell these animals often don't even know what their needs are. Clown plecos are not algae eaters, and would be a very poor substitute for a group of otos if your goal is algae reduction.

From PlanetCatfish:

If you just want a pleco, sure, a clown is great. If you want something to reduce algae, look elsewhere.

Shawnie

I agree and thats why I Have my royal and chocolate boy...but theres not always a need for them just a want....

kahuna

I think the Oto's are really cute, but I do have algae on most of the plants and am continuously cleaning off the glass. I have an ornamental dragon which looks like it has a fuzzy face. Actually the dragon looks kool.

I have the lights on for approx. 10 hrs and am not sure if my excessively hard water has a lot to do with it?

Shawnie

if its brown algae, its probably diatoms,,which comes and goes for a few months with new tanks ....

kahuna

I see mostly brown algae on the plants and glass, but the dragon is like a deep mossy green?

Shawnie

other than overfeeding or indirect/direct sunlight being on the tank, im not familiar with any other green types of algae..but there is tons different kinds

AlyeskaGirl

I don't have any algae in my tanks eather nor any plecos at the moment. my lfs finally got in some BN and I want one because I've always admired them. I have researched them and know what they need.

Shawnie

I want some BN's also ...just because LOL ....but none are around here

pinkfloydpuffer

No way! We have tons around here!

kahuna

I have attached 2 photos of the algae, hopefully I did it correctly.

No direct sunlight, but does have indirect. May possibly be a husband who has tendency to overfeed.

Attached Images

	Green_Algae_on_Dragon.JPG (59.9 KB, 53 views)
	Brown_Algae_on_plant___dragon.JPG (77.9 KB, 53 views)

pinkfloydpuffer

Hm.... is that algae soft and comes off easily? Or is it tough?

Cordi

for the brown algae, you want Bristlenose's or Cherry/CRS/CBS/Bee shrimp (shrimp not always good for comunity - could just end up being expensive food)

for the green algae you have.. an algae pad and elbow greece is the way to go