Question: What type of "sucker fish" for my 20 gal....

Robin4 · August 20th, 2009

Hello Everyone!

I have brown algae in my 20 gal and I'm considering getting some ottos or "sucker fish". I've read about the smaller ones (forget the name) that only get about 1 1/2 inches big. That interests me. I don't want them to be too big. Can any of you give me some opinions or sugguestions to lead me in the right direction?

Thanks!!!
Robin

Shawnie · August 20th, 2009

hi robin..ottos do the best for diatoms (brown algae thats common with new tanks) diatoms will go away on their own after time..it doesnt look very nice, but diatoms wont hurt anything.... ottos usually are sensitive fish and require a tank thats been established for a few months...but they are the best to clean them up IMO

Robin4 · August 20th, 2009

Hey Shawnie,

I have diatoms on the glass and have the brown algae on some of my gravel, decorations, on the "bubbler" in the back of the tank, and on the back glass. This tank has been up and running for close to 3 months. What are the names of different ottos that I can research? With them being sensitive, are they hard to care for? I understand that if there is no algae in the tank, their food has to be supplement - blanched vegies!

Thanks,
Robin

Shawnie · August 20th, 2009

http://www.fishlore.com/profiles_otocinclus.htm

Neji · August 29th, 2009

I agree with pretty much everyone else who said that Otos would be the best cleaners

I have a few of mine in my tanks too

They are awesome at cleaning the algae off my plants and the glass along with all around the gravel

Robin4 · August 29th, 2009

Hi Neji,

Thanks. I like the smaller sizes. Is there a particular one that you think is great?

Robin

Neji · August 30th, 2009

Well, I like the oto cats the most

they are small but they are full of energy and they always keep my tank clean

They also LOVE to eat the flake foods too

They always never get tired! It's so amazing

Although my pleco gets lazy and doesn't always clean the algae off the aquarium glass, so it just scavenges for food on the gravel.

Robin4 · August 30th, 2009

Great info; thanks! Somewhere, I've read that if you don't have a lot of algae in your tank for your ottos, then you can "make" some free food for them. You just take some good sized rocks and put them in a bowl with tank water. Put that bowl in the window and presto - instant algae!

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