jn Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 I'm considering buying something to put in my 80L tank to help keep the glass and plants clean. My borneo suckers are too happy in the smaller tank which has a better flow for them anyway. What would handle temps around 20 and not get too big. I was thinking otocinclus but I'm unfamiliar with the different types of plecos so figured I'd ask to see what else might be good. I've poked around on planetcatfish but since I can't do a temperature based search I keep finding the species who like it on the warmer side I don't want anything big and I don't really like the bristlenoses either :oops: The tank would be shared with wcmm, leopard fish and american flag fish (jordanella fl.) Oh.. and the cheaper the better so something that I could buy 1 of would be good.. although I realise the otos would prefer a group (would 2 do or would it have to be 3?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faran Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Ottos are wild caught from the Amazon and I'd recommend a LOWEST temp of 21C for them. They're fairly delicate creatures to be honest. I'd recommend a standard common bristlenose. More than likely captive bred which means they're much more hardy towards conditions if bred properly. Cheap as chips, too. As you don't like the common BNs go for a GBA, they're lovely and fairly inexpensive now that everyone and their mother is breeding them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jn Posted February 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 So ancistrus right? ok.. I'll have a look Thanks. Do all catfish require wood in their diet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faran Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Pretty much. It's the fibre that keeps things moving in the gut, a lot like roughage for us. If you really don't wanna put wood in the tank just feed pleco chips that have wood in them like JBL Pleco Chips. HTH P.S. - Ancistrus is correct Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony law Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 what about pepper cats /croys they can handel lower temps, , as ive got them in a goldfish tank with no heater all year round, and had babys, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faran Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 ...to put in my 80L tank to help keep the glass and plants clean... Corys can't be trained as janitors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony law Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 oh didnt read it properly.sorry, but you can have corys as scavengers to get un eated food though, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jn Posted February 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Thanks Anthony, My existing fish will pick at the substrate a little and don't let too much food get past them but I'm definitely hoping for something to do more cleaning rather than just 'picking up'. (Sounds a bit like my house...we never seem to manage doing both the cleaning AND the picking up at the same time!!) So.. I'm happy to do the picking up in the tank if the new fish can do most of the cleaning in the nooks and crannys! I'm happy to put some wood in my tank eventually. I have a few pieces that are sunk in a tub outside waiting for the right moment but might start with only a small bit for it to munch on but not big enough to hide in. I will start by adding rocks for hiding places until they've settled and I know they are well, call me a control freak but if I get a new fish I insist on being able to see it for the first few weeks to make sure that its not sick or dying. Rocks will make that easier I think The number of stories I've read here about disappearing plecs etc. I'd probably be out buying replacements before I managed to spot them! Thanks again guys.. now to do some shopping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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