• True Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) …
• Rubber-lipped pleco (chaetostoma formosae) …
• Juvenile Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) …
• American flagfish (Jordanella floridae) …
• Bristlenose pleco (Ancistrus cirrhosus)

Does Otocinclus eat black beard algae?

Most fish are added to a tank for their appearance, but Otos have a bonus purpose – they are great at clearing up algae. If algae is getting out of control in your tank, these fish will work wonders and quickly graze the algae down. They are great for beginners and won’t take up much of your time.

Will Otocinclus eat algae wafers?

Otos love to constantly graze on soft green algae growing on your substrate, decorations, aquarium glass, and plants. … You can do this by feeding them algae wafers or Catfish pellets.

Do Oto cats eat brown algae?

Algae eaters.

Otocinclus catfish, amano shrimp, and nerite snails are some of the sea creatures that will eat brown algae and some other types of algae. However, don’t introduce them to your new tank too early as they may start eating your plants.

Can I keep 3 Otocinclus?

The seventeen species of Otocinclus (often called Otos) are often kept in hobbyists’ aquariums to control algae. … Although they are often purchased solely for algae control, Otos are social and should not be kept in groups of less than three.

Does anything eat green spot algae?

The most efficient algae-eaters, in our experience, are sun snails (Clithon sp.) or nerite snails (Neritina sp.). They rasp off the hard coats very thoroughly. As a part of your weekly tank maintenance you can clean the inside of your aquarium glass with a blade cleaner and rid it off the green coats easily.

How many Otocinclus should be kept together?

How many otocinclus catfish should be kept together? We recommend at least 4-6. Just be sure that your tank is large enough.

How do you feed algae wafers to Otocinclus?

The best way to introduce wafers to them is to put a wafer directly on the center of a sunken piece of zucchini. While snarfing the zuc, they will eventually hit the wafer and will learn that it will be an additional food source.

How many Otocinclus are in a 29 gallon?

I find one per ten gallons works pretty well. I had three in my 29 gallon for a long time. I lost one and the other two were in there for years without algae wafers, but it was a high light tank. You could maybe put in one wafer a week to make sure they got enough.

What fish will eat black beard algae?

The Siamese algae eater fish (scientific name: Crossocheilus oblongus) is the only freshwater aquarium fish, that will consume black beard algae. There is no guarantee though, that they will clean your tank from BBA. Just like humans with food, they also have preferences in algae types they consume.

Can you put Otocinclus with Betta?

Otocinclus catfish are extremely peaceful and will not attack your betta unless they are starving. … However, if your betta is relatively peaceful (which is often the case) then otocinclus’ make great tank mates, and they’ll help you get rid of any algae build up.

Will Otocinclus eat dead plants?

Premium Member. Ottos will eat decaying plant matter.

What is the smallest algae eater?

Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus sp.)

One of the smallest algae eaters on this list, the otocinclus catfish grows to a maximum of 2 inches. These fish are similar in appearance to the larger Chinese algae eater, but they are much more peaceful.

What causes hair algae in planted tank?

The conclusion: green hair algae is most likely caused by a CO2 imbalance in the water parameters of your tank. … Also try increasing water circulation, adjusting your lighting (period, spectrum, and intensity), changing the water you add to your tank, and monitoring how much food you give.

Is hair algae bad for fish?

More a nuisance than anything else, green hair algae is not toxic to fish or invertebrates. However, thick mats can cause fish and invertebrates to become entangled, keeping them from eating.

How do I know if my Otocinclus is healthy?

Healthy Otocinclus will dart quickly around the tank. You may also spot them hanging off rocks, or the sides of the tank to feed on any algae growth building up on these surfaces.

What do you feed Otocinclus?

An Otocinclus feeds on soft algae buildup growing on hard surfaces of the tank. That’s why its important to make sure the tank is clean, but not “too clean”. Otocinclus food can also include supplements such as algae wafers and even some fresh vegetables like green zucchini slices.

Can you put a Otocinclus in a 5 gallon tank?

However the specific types of algae you have also will dictate what algae eaters you use. That being said, I don’t think Otocinclus are a viable long term option for a 5 gallon tank. They are very social and like to have space to swim. Probably a 2′ or 3′ tank would be the minimum.

Can Otocinclus be kept alone?

Super Moderator. Yes they should be kept in groups. They suffer psychological stress if kept alone or in small groups. 3 fish is the minimum recommendation, but I have always felt that keeping them in groups no smaller than 5 or 6 was best.

Does Otocinclus poop alot?

Yes, they do poop a lot, their digestion tract is always moving food through it. The poop though is very low in ammonia due to their plant based diet. This makes things look messy but it doesn’t contribute to the bioload as much as it appears to (still does though).

Can Otocinclus live with shrimp?

Shrimp. Otocinclus is the only fish in a community tank that is absolutely safe to keep with shrimp. They do not have any interest in eating shrimp, they will never attack or harass even baby shrimp.

Will green spot algae go away on its own?

Green spot algae forms distinct circular dots that are very tough to scrape off while green dust algae is easily wiped/scrapped away though it may form a thick layer that is harder to clear. Spots usually take longer to form, while green dust algae can form a green film across the glass within a day or two.