Whoo - I haven't killed my Otto - Yet!

[basketballqt]

I have had an Otto for 4 days and he is still alive (knock on wood)! I don't know how many of these I have went through trying to get an established otto in the tank! I have some ammonia in there now (very very small amount that came in on yesterday's test!) , and I REALLY want to do a water change, but I just want to leave it alone for a bit because I doubt it'll go over too well!

I just always have issues with ottos so I am happy to finally have on alive. I tried Melafix and Pimafix when adding new fish this time, and it seems to be working wonders!

 

[ImACoolguy]

Why is there ammonia in the tank? Is it still cycling?

Tbh IMO ottos are not the hardy species like some others and sounds expensive to use as a cycle fish.


Caleb

 

[RackinRocky]

Yes, never use an otto as a cycle fish. I had two that lived about 4 years for me, but I put them in a fully cycled tank!

 

[FishayFishay]

A water change will only do you good in this situation

 

[basketballqt]

It isn't cycling. I'm pretty sure that it just had a bit of ammonia probably because I added 3 fish? Not totally sure, but last night when I tested it seemed to be gone and they tested @ 0. I'm going to do a water change anyhow probably on Friday. The is algae everywhere so they have plenty to eat. There is also a few plants. This specific aquarium is a 29 gal that has been set up for about a year. All the decoration, plants, gravel, filter, etc were from a 20 long that had been set up for about a year, so there has been more than enough time to cycle I want to add some new fish but I'm just not totally sure what to add now.

I have an angel fish, 3 guppy, 1 molly, 10 or so small tetra, 2 albino cory cats, a zillion assassin snails, and the 1 otto. I'm def going to add some cherry shrimp when I get back from vacay, but if any other suggestions feel free to advise of them

 

[biondoa]

I wouldn't add any more fish until you get the ammonia controlled. Ammonia, even in small amounts, is a killer. A big water change will be very beneficial, and you may need to do several before you get it under control. If you are going to be away for a vacation, you may have to get someone to do them for you, or you could come back to a bad surprise.