Has anyone kept Oto catfish successfully for a month or more?
Reason I am asking is because I have a few of these cute fish and I have heard some horror stories. From anything from them dieing less than 24 hours to 1 month later. Also, there is little to no information about them. Most information I have found is VERY outdated or just doesn't make a lot of sense. Also, the care involved is also, once again, VERY varied. No one can agree on tank size, temperature, pH, etc. The only parameters they agree on is 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite, and 0 Nitrates. That and a heavily planted tank (most preferably live plants). And the BARE minimum is like 2-3 in a tank. As they like to shoal and/or school together.
Also, the food they eat is varied (depending on the owner). However, I have learned if they won't touch Algae Wafers to try fresh veggies (such as zucchini, spinach, etc.). Mine seem to like lettuce and green beans. I have heard people using canned green beans for their Oto Cats. I am trying a Zucchini disk today (blanched for a little over 2 minutes).
So far, no one has died on me and everyone seems happy. Fat bellies, active, eating lots, and pooping lots (found out they are poop machines :lol.
Any who, I got distracted. I was wondering if anyone has successfully kept Otos (or a single oto) in anything less than 10 gallons? If so, how did you do it? If you keep them in 10 gallons or higher, how do you do it? Anything you have learned by keeping these fish (maybe something that isn't covered on the net)? What temperature do you keep yours at? Are they fine in a non planted tank? Are they fine in a plastic/silk planted tank?
Reasons for the questions, I am thinking of doing a fake planted tank of 10 gallons or higher. Most suggest using live plants. However, I am wondering if fake ones would work. So long as the colors are not to outrageous. More natural pieces and maybe some decorations that are cave like.
Reason I am asking is because I have a few of these cute fish and I have heard some horror stories. From anything from them dieing less than 24 hours to 1 month later. Also, there is little to no information about them. Most information I have found is VERY outdated or just doesn't make a lot of sense. Also, the care involved is also, once again, VERY varied. No one can agree on tank size, temperature, pH, etc. The only parameters they agree on is 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite, and 0 Nitrates. That and a heavily planted tank (most preferably live plants). And the BARE minimum is like 2-3 in a tank. As they like to shoal and/or school together.
Also, the food they eat is varied (depending on the owner). However, I have learned if they won't touch Algae Wafers to try fresh veggies (such as zucchini, spinach, etc.). Mine seem to like lettuce and green beans. I have heard people using canned green beans for their Oto Cats. I am trying a Zucchini disk today (blanched for a little over 2 minutes).
So far, no one has died on me and everyone seems happy. Fat bellies, active, eating lots, and pooping lots (found out they are poop machines :lol.
Any who, I got distracted. I was wondering if anyone has successfully kept Otos (or a single oto) in anything less than 10 gallons? If so, how did you do it? If you keep them in 10 gallons or higher, how do you do it? Anything you have learned by keeping these fish (maybe something that isn't covered on the net)? What temperature do you keep yours at? Are they fine in a non planted tank? Are they fine in a plastic/silk planted tank?
Reasons for the questions, I am thinking of doing a fake planted tank of 10 gallons or higher. Most suggest using live plants. However, I am wondering if fake ones would work. So long as the colors are not to outrageous. More natural pieces and maybe some decorations that are cave like.