new pleco or ottos?

[MrDrums]

Thinking of getting rid of my pleco. Not a big pleco fan here - the one I have is a rescue from a friend's tank. I had thought he was a common pleco....not sure though, and no pic. He is kind of leopard spotted, dark, with very full, long fins, esp. at the tail. Have had him about 15 months, and he is about 4 -4.5 inches long. He does not appear to have grown since I have had him.

Anyway, I have heard great things about ottos, but never kept them. Would anyone recommend them? If so, how many should I get? Or do I even need them (or a pleco) at all? Hmmm...

Happy holidays everyone.

[digital3]

I would ditch the Pleco. They're messy, get huge, and don't really eat algae. Ottos are great. I have about 7. They're fragile though, especially when you first get them. I would definitely buy more than you would initially plan on getting, as there is a good chance some of them won't make it.

[MrDrums]

Thanks for the advice....I did forget to ask about ottos with the severum. Would they be chased down, or will the sev. leave them alone?

[Northernguy]

I believe they will check each other out but I can't see any aggression unless the Sevs are spawning.
Make sure you have the algae for the Otos.

[Wild Turkey]

Agree with NG, sevs only aggressive when spawning. I dont keep ottos, but i always hear good things.

[gm72]

Make sure you have the algae for the Otos.

Agreed. I move mine around sometimes from tank to tank to help out.

[mac]

I would ditch the Pleco. They're messy, get huge, and don't really eat algae. Ottos are great. I have about 7. They're fragile though, especially when you first get them. I would definitely buy more than you would initially plan on getting, as there is a good chance some of them won't make it.

I have to disagree. All the Plecos I have owned eat algae very well. Even better than Ottos.

mac

[digital3]

Dave66 posted a good article about Oto care on the forum...

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

I would definitely read that before you purchase. Besides the algae you may want to supplement their diet with some cut up and blanched veggies every once in a while. They are really cool fish in the end.

[jd6405]

I have 3 ottos in my 30 and love them! They are great entertainment to watch (like little clowns) and great algea eaters!!!

[reelbigphish]

I love my otos. After they cleaned all the algae, I've giving them veggies. They really like zucchini, and they eat the spinach crazy. It looks like lace when they're done.

[Northernguy]

I love my otos. After they cleaned all the algae, I've giving them veggies. They really like zucchini, and they eat the spinach crazy. It looks like lace when they're done.
My snails and pleco do the same.Really cool looking.

Otos are best for algae removal.I would only get one for every 15gal. of water.At least that way they will always have something to snack on.
Have you read this:[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
I find they remove more algae than I have ever seen a pleco do.
Just my 2 cents.
I do find plecos to be interesting fish when they are moving about the tank!

[MrDrums]

Thanks everyone for the great advice and links.