Caper Posted September 9, 2007 Report Share Posted September 9, 2007 When I had 2 ottos in my 10 gallon they kept the tank clean. Now, I have 3 in a 20 gallon and the algae is quite visible. Could this be because I only have 3? I know it's supposed to 1 otto/5 gallons but they haven't had any ottos at the store in ages. Also, I have a poly resin log in the tank and it has what looks like a, how to describe it :-? I guess I could say like a velvet spots of what I'm guessing is green algae??? Again, could this be because not enough ottos? This log hasn't been cleaned in a long time, due to the fact when I'd clean the glass (& fake plants), I wouldn't touch trying to ensure they'd still have algae to eat! Anybody?? Caper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caper Posted September 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2007 Anybody Caper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.qian Posted September 13, 2007 Report Share Posted September 13, 2007 I think it's usually one oto per 10 galleon. But a little more is probabaly better, as long as there's algae for them to eat. What type of algae in your bigger tank? might be a type they won't eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tHEcONCH Posted September 13, 2007 Report Share Posted September 13, 2007 The problem is that they only eat certain types of Algae, so although you might have algae in your tank, they might not be able to eat it. Try cleaning your log / plants, etc, and feeding them algae based foods - you need to keep them healthy and get the right kind of algae growing (which will displace the other kinds) in your tank before they will keep things under control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caper Posted September 23, 2007 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2007 Thanks Ah...how do I know what kind of algae...I think someone posted a link here one time about different types of algae but can't find it. I removed one of the poly resin ornaments today...the one that had the "velvety" looking algae on it. Scrubbed under hot water. Just let it air dry...looked at it before and still green stuff on it that I could scrape a bit of with my finger nail. I'm wondering if I could boil a poly resin ornament & would that destroy any algae on it? Also, if you remove everything out of the tank...would there still be algae on the gravel...enough to feed the ottos till more grew??? I am going to remove everything tomorrow & give a good scrub (everything but the gravel!) oh, and of course the fishies :lol: I did pick up a bag of algae discs to be on the safe side though. Caper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted September 23, 2007 Report Share Posted September 23, 2007 With Otos and other plecos you want to give them some extra food as well as the algae that they may scavange up. Pleco tabs are good and easy to feed, but they really go for fresh veges. Zuchini, cucumber, mushroom, green beans, peas etc. Generally there isn't enough algae in a tank to support a pleco once it grows a bit. Cheers Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.qian Posted September 23, 2007 Report Share Posted September 23, 2007 This link is quite useful, tells you about different types of algae. http://www.aquaticscape.com/articles/algae.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caper Posted September 23, 2007 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2007 Thanks I checked that website Michael...and the descriptions don't seem to match with what I'm talking about :-? I should have tried to get a pic of it before cleaning the ornament. I just figured it was algae since it was green and on the ornaments! Caper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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