Happy new owner

Well, last Saturday(its now Wednesday), I went and bought a 4" bristlenose pleco($9.99), and 5 little otos($1.99 ea @ 1"). After everything I read about them, I took it very slow acclimating them to the water. I replaced the water in the bag over the course of an hour and a half, and finally figured they'd be okay to release. So, I netted them and let them go in the tank. They quickly disappeared, but showed up about half an hour, and all hung out on the back of the glass together.

I have been worrying about them, just because of how sensitive I've read they are, but I must give a lot of credit to my LFS, because I believe they only acclimated to my tank so well because of the fine water quality and treatment of the fishes there. And the fish were even cheaper after the 10% livestock discount, and 5% bottom line discount just from paying a one time $15 membership fee!

There was not much algae in my tank, but what was in there has disappeared. I put a slice of cucumber in, and they quickly devoured it.

I mostly just wanted to share this with everyone for 2 reason; one, because I like them a lot, and two, so people will have a little more confidence in getting them. Anyway, that's my story! I'll put some pictures of them in the photo gallery.

 

Congrats, you sound like an intelligent fishkeeping individual, and for that you are congratulated.

 

sounds like the kind of LFS we all dream of having.

 

I got mine at Petsmart which isn't known to take the best care of their fish. They had gotten a big batch of them in about a month ago and I assume some died off and some were bought... Anyways, when I bought mine they were the last of the bunch (maybe a dozen or so left) and had survived there for a month so I figured they were the hardiest. One died because she was egg bound and by the time she released the eggs was to weak to survive but the other one and the replacement I got have been quite healthy so far.
I think it helps not to get Otos right when the shipment comes in. The last ones left are probably going to be the healthiest.

 

Congrats!!

Miley

 

HI Neverending Ninja. Congrats on your otos. Take a look at our caresheet for more advice. That way, you can make sure you take the best care of them. Similarly, if you've developped oto-related tips and tricks, I'd like to hear from you so we can insert it (with your name, of course) to the caresheet. Good reading!