Can Ottos Go In A 10 Gallon?

I'm considering a Walstad type tank, heavily planted, with probably a sponge filter. I plan on doing a small schooling species in there, maybe CPDs or ChilI Rasboras (any other suggestions?) and let it 'mature' for a few months (I also want to do shrimp). I absolutely love pygmy cories but I don't want to put them in an environment, so I'm not doing them. However, I think ottos look similar and are super cute as well. Is it possible to do them in a ten gallon? I'd probably do 6 of them and 8 schoolers.

 

In my opinion, yes. A lot of plants will be perfect for them.

 

Why not.
I keep Otos in my 10 gal Planted Shrimp tank (50+ shrimp). Great little Algae eaters. I have 2 tried twice to up the total but sadly the last few never made it through QT. Also 2 Rabbit snails and a few Mystery snails share the tank almost a year now..

 

I wouldn't put otos in a 10 gallon. For more schooling fish suggestions, you could also do ember tetras or ruby tetras.

 

Yes Otos will be fine in a 10. They are sensitive to water conditions though so just keep your water clean and they should be fine. Mine spend most of the time on the glass so they really won't take up much of the 'middle of your tank.' They are schooling fish, but they don't school in the same way that fish like barbs do. 6 ottos would be fine, but 8 schoolers might be pushing it a little bit. However, as long as you are willing to do water changes to maintain low nitrates you'll be fine.

 

I wouldn't put otos in a 10 gallon. For more schooling fish suggestions, you could also do ember tetras or ruby tetras.

I'll let the tank mature for at least 3 months after cycling. Is it because of their activity level?

Yes Otos will be fine in a 10. They are sensitive to water conditions though so just keep your water clean and they should be fine. Mine spend most of the time on the glass so they really won't take up much of the 'middle of your tank.' They are schooling fish, but they don't school in the same way that fish like barbs do. 6 ottos would be fine, but 8 schoolers might be pushing it a little bit. However, as long as you are willing to do water changes to maintain low nitrates you'll be fine.

I can lower the schooling fish, how many ottos do you need for them to be comfortable?
The tank would be HEAVILY planted (possible Walstad).

 

3-5 otos minimum should be fine. The more you have the safer they will feel, as in any schooling fish.