Just how much do Ottos clean?

[mattsbottleofjager]

My dad has a hex tank w/ plastic plants and 1 live one. The plastic ones constantly get a whitish fuzz on them, will ottos eat this stuff?

[Sarkazmo]

Nope, I don't think so. Ottos eat like algae eating machines! I was amazed at the amount of algae they (2 of them) ate in a couple days... I was simply stunned.

Sark

[Lady Hobbs]

I luv those little guys but haven't seen mine for some time. I've read they can be difficult to keep.

[Chrisinator]

My 10G was walled with algae, put 3 otos and BAM! and the stain's gone!

(I miss Billy mays. )

[sheamurai]

I'll second the "no" above - Otos pretty much only eat your basic algae - and they scarf it up at an impressive rate. I have otos in all my tanks except the cichlid tank...

[Little Embers]

I third that "No".

Yep! that's why you need to supplement their diet....the algae can't keep up with them LOL.

They usually will only eat relatively new algae growth and the green slimey type....diatoms are their favourite.

I love my otos too, even though I also hardly ever see them...:1luvu:

[Neon]

I see my Otos very often, they only eat algae from leaves and other surfaces , they have now discovered algae wafers , but they need to compete for them with the other tank inhabitants, included the Betta.

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[mattsbottleofjager]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I figured that would be too easy for keeping the plants clean. I think I have plenty in my cuc and will keep em for about a week and pass 1-2 of them to my dad for his tank.