I want MORE algae!

Hey all,
Unlike most, I have mostly algae eaters in my tank not because I want to control algae, but because I’m drawn to these fish the most and love them.

I want to cultivate algae to feed them, and am posing this question to the group - how?

What I’ve heard of is to set up another tank and keep rocks or wood in it - in direct sun, to allow algae to populate on the rocks etc which I could move into my otocinclus tank for them to feast on.

I also feed algae pucks, zucchini and have soilent green on the way, but consider it an I complete diet without also having natural algae.

Ideas on setting up an algae tank haha?

^* “consider it incomplete diet...” typo

 

Haha just like me and my otos! I want them cus i love how they are! Yes I have been told what people did was set up a clear container in directs sunlight with rocks in it, im sure wood would be good too, and move them into the otos when there is algae on them. Definitely easier to just have a good amount growing in the tank though because what happens if there are days with less sun or you are away from home

 

Hi welcome to FishLore!!

What I’ve heard of is to set up another tank and keep rocks or wood in it - in direct sun, to allow algae to populate on the rocks etc which I could move into my otocinclus tank for them to feast on.

It would be a better idea to move the algae covered rock to the where the otos live rather than move the fish.
Then you can add new rocks to the other tank and switch out as needed to keep a supply going.

That's what I have done

 

Haha otos truly are wonderful!
10 of them live with 2 mini ancistrus - ONE of which could keep a 20gal clean lol. The struggle is real

Hi welcome to FishLore!!



It would be a better idea to move the algae covered rock to the where the otos live rather than move the fish.
Then you can add new rocks to the other tank and switch out as needed to keep a supply going.

That's what I have done

Ah yes I had the moving going that direction in my head lol - moving the fish would be counterproductive! Stress may outweigh nutrient benefit

 

That's funny. Otos are great. Moving 10 for their dinner would be a hoot! haha

 

How long would you anticipate it takes to nicely / lightly coat a rock?
I’m thinking a fresh green rock a week is the goal.
Will have a number of rocks in rotation to meet the frequency that they are most happy with.

 

I never move my Oto’s, once they’re in that tank they stay there, they stress very easily & they’re sooo hard to catch especially in a planted tank that’s it’s best not to disturb them unless absolutely necessary

 

I’ve tried googling these things, but one mention of the word algae and all I can find are articles on getting rid of it..
Should I filter an algae tank?

I never move my Oto’s, once they’re in that tank they stay there, they stress very easily & they’re sooo hard to catch especially in a planted tank that’s it’s best not to disturb them unless absolutely necessary

Correct yes I have no intention of moving the otos!

And IF I’m making an algae tank all out, may as well stock it with not-algae-water fish.
Ideas on 10gal fish or invertebrates who don’t eat algae?

 

If you add fish then yes it needs a filter. If it is just going to be a tank for growing algae on rocks it shouldn't need a filter but it does need water movement to keep the water from getting stagnant. A simple airstone would work for that.

 

If you add fish then yes it needs a filter. If it is just going to be a tank for growing algae on rocks it shouldn't need a filter but it does need water movement to keep the water from getting stagnant. A simple airstone would work for that.

Sweet. Heard.

 

The problem with growing algae is that there are many different kinds of algae. Your Otos are looking primarily for the green algae that grows on glass, rocks, etc. However, there is a good chance you will also be growing the algae that makes green water, green hair algae, black beard algae, etc. Thus, be careful what you wish for.

There are a variety of suitable vegetable matter that can be fed to your Otos. One is seaweed, a saltwater algae sold in sheets. It is suitable for freshwater fish as well. Although you can purchase it many fish stores, it is also used by Asians in the making of sushi. You can find what is called sushi nori in the Asian section of many grocery stores. It is seaweed that has been ground up, mixed with water into a paste, and then rolled into sheets and dried. If you use the stuff from the grocery, be sure it does not have any additives that might be harmful to your fish.

Many vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, lettuce, spinach, and peas can be fed to your fish. Wash the vegetables thoroughly to remove any pesticides, etc. and then blanch them and allow them to cool before feeding your fish.

 

What about an algae scrubber? Then you can have lots of algae.. I have seen videos of people using that to feed various algae eating things.

As far as otos go... My oto tank is starting to get algae... Yet they are constantly busy doing their oto thing in there... Shrug.