The Puffer Forum

As can be seen on other posts, I'm gonna setup a tall 15 US gallon tank with 3 or 4 DPs and 2 or 3 ottos. I was wondering what should go into the tank first. I know that ideally ottos should only be added to an established mature setup, but I'm concerned that if the DPs are added first, they won't like the addition of tank mates.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Regards,
turtledove

If you add the otos first, they will need to be fed algae wafers. I added mine long after my DPs were there and they completely ignore him, even though they've shredded everything else put in with them.

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Otocinclus like to be in larger groups. More is better, They tend to feel more secure if they have more of their kind to hang around with. Ideally, provide plenty of hiding places. They seem to prefer plants and foliage to hide in as opposed to caves and the like.

If your DPs turn out to be very nippy and harass the otos despite hiding places and such, move the otos to another tank, preferably with lots of cover and less aggressive fish.

Otocinclus happily feed on diatoms, but I would recommend supplimenting their diet regardless of whether your whole tank is thickly covered in algae or not. Many otos are mistreated during their collection and sale, and supplimental veggies will help them get their vigour back, as well as making sure they have a variety of foods to select from later on, to keep them healthy.

Algae wafers are commonly accepted. Nori (sushi seaweed wrapper), unsalted with no additives is also an option. Fresh veggies are great. Otos will not feed on them immediately, they like the veggies to soften a bit before they will feed.

Peel anything you offer that has a thick skin, because they seem to prefer the softer insides and they will ignore the more fibrous parts. Blanch or freeze veggies and then offer them to the otos. Give them 1-3 days to notice them, sometimes they like them well rotted. If your veggies won't sink, use a veggie clip, or rubber band them to a pebble/rock.

I have used carrots, broccoli stem, cucumber, zuchinni, and romaine lettuce. Avoid iceberg, it's pretty much devoid of nutrients.

Great advice here!

I would recommend putting the ottos first. If you put the puffers first, since they are more territorial they will get aggressive to the ottos.

Advantage of putting tankmates in first is that they know the tank better then the puffs. Better knowledge of the area means you can take cover faster.