Hi and happy christmas

[itsonlyme]

Hi, I'm sure I'm useless and I'm looking in the wrong places but I can't find the answers to my many-a-question. Could some1 please direct me to the answers. I am replacing my 3 platies in a 10 gallon tank with a Puffer hopefully. My platies have multiplied and I now have 14 fish with no signs off slowing which is not practical in a small tank. I have homes for my adults and fry and I'm wondering if a puffer would be ok for my tank, I dont want to make another mistake like I did with my lovely platies. I have read that otocinclus are possible to home with a puffer, (my tank grows a lot of algea) would it be possible for my tank to house 3 otocinclus and a single dwarf puffer?
Any pointers in the right direction would be appriciated.
Hope your all having a fab Christmas

[J-P]

you are correct you could get 1 male and possibly 1 female in that tank, but I would suggest 1 male only.

[itsonlyme]

Thank you. That is good news! The more I read about them the more I want one. what about the oto or should I go to an otocinclus forum? . My tank is about 4mnths old now and I am used to doing weekly water changes, my platies are so messy, I have read that puffers are just as messy, my question is, is it right that I should do 50% water change each week? (that sounds alot) and is my tank ready (cycled enough) once my platies are re-homed in a few days? Is it ok to ask questions here? I have never been a member of a forum befor and am not sure of house rules ( I have read the rules)

[bertie 83]

Its touch and go with ottos. They are difficult to keep long term especially with a puffer nipping at them relentlessly

[Pufferpunk]

viewtopic.php?f=68&t=29296

[itsonlyme]

viewtopic.php?f=68&t=29296

That is what I wanted to read, thank you.
I am now wondering after reading PUFFERPUNKS advice, wether I should just carry on manualy removing algea and forget about the otos and consentrate on the puffer and plants...confused Folkestone.
I already feel guilty having to give up my platies due to my ignorance and want to make the right choice 2nd time around. I have a 10 gallon tank.
Cheers

[itsonlyme]

viewtopic.php?f=68&t=29296

That is what I wanted to read, thank you.
I am now wondering after reading PUFFERPUNKS advice, wether I should just carry on manualy removing algea and forget about the otos and consentrate on the puffer and plants...confused Folkestone.
I already feel guilty having to give up my platies due to my ignorance and want to make the right choice 2nd time around. I have a 10 gallon tank.
Cheers

Whoops BERTIE 83 advise on otos not PUFFERPUNKS

[Pufferpunk]

There's great info on both species you are researching, in that link I gave you.

[itsonlyme]

There's great info on both species you are researching, in that link I gave you.

Thank you it was usefull reading and makes me think that I can have both but the recent comment by the other forum friend makes me waver

[Pufferpunk]

Trust our articles here.

[J-P]

most of what you read here is written with blood, sweat and tears. It is not re-hashed and not 2nd hand. These are real owners and scientists giving you their best advice.


BTW... what is the "other forum" ?

[itsonlyme]

most of what you read here is written with blood, sweat and tears. It is not re-hashed and not 2nd hand. These are real owners and scientists giving you their best advice.


BTW... what is the "other forum" ?

Hi,
This forum, the 3rd comment after my initial post.

[itsonlyme]

I do not get forums, I cant find all the answers to my questions and I have spent hours over weeks reading, I'm sure u pro's r bored with all the questions. But I was told "go to a forum they will help u out". The fish shops dont know the answers and googling contradicts itself, whats a girl got to do?????????????????????????

[Pufferpunk]

Just post your questions & all here are happy to answer them .

[bertie 83]

Any questions will be answered for you, the members here have masses of experience. I have not had any success with ottos, maybe not enough real algae in my tanks, however when I housed them with my puffers they always got eaten or killed by continuous nipping.