Mom wants otos

**Countrylovin4evr** · 01-08-2012, 12:55 AM

Ok so my mom has a 10 gal tank that has bad algae problems and she is wanting to make it just a beta tank. Her other tank does fine on algae because of a very gentle and happy CAE. But she's been asking around and thought about getting some otos for the 10 but I think she wouldn't have enough room even with just a beta. IDK- and I'm hearing that the otos almost always die in a month because they starve or whatnot. But she always puts algae wafers in for her CAE and corys and mollies in other tank. what do you think? Any ideas?

**Brhino** · 01-08-2012, 01:00 AM

otos will work in a 10 gallon tank, assuming the betta tolerates them.

The only reason otos "always die in a month" is because people do not do their research. They will need fresh veggies to eat constantly in addition to the algae that they will take care of. Commercial foods may not be taken (although mine like to eat the same NLS pellets the other fish get, which is strange for otos). They're a little more work than the average fish for that reason, but if you're willing to make sure you've always got some veggies on hand they should live long healthy lives just like any other fish.

**toddnbecka** · 01-08-2012, 02:18 AM

Nerite snails are a better option for a 10 gallon tank, one of those would likely be enough to clean out the algae and keep it down.

**Countrylovin4evr** · 01-08-2012, 06:45 AM

she wants and has live plants. would snails be ok

**bignellm** · 01-08-2012, 08:53 AM

Not to jump in on this, but here I go.

Nerites and Mystery snails would be typically ok for plants. In her 10 gallon shoes, I would go with the Nerite. I've found that omnivorous fish like to nip the Mystery's everytime they get on the glass. With a Nerite the shell is so tight around the foot of the snail a fish wouldn't be able to harass much. I infact have a 10 gallon with a nerite and oto's inside. 1 nerite and 3 oto's. The tank also has plants and some very active Danio. I've not had any problems with my plants and snails. I have an article on snails in my sig line... mostly about Mystery snails.