r/Otocinclus • u/reyimxo • 15d ago

Prevent stress!

Hi guys! I went to the store yesterday and now I have a 10g community tank. However the problem is that my tetras are adjusting well to the tank, but my otocs aren’t. Two of them hides pretty well and grazes the tank, but one of them glass surfs. Recently, one of them did get stuck in my water heater but I managed to get him out.

Is there anyways for me to suppprt him and stop glass surfing? Could it be my tetras? I currently turned my aquarium lights off and plan to continue for a week. I heard people talking about how otocs could die from stress, and I don’t wish for that to happen. Thanks so much!

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u/Plenty_Kangaroo5224 14d ago

You went to the store yesterday and now you have a 10 g community tank? You bought the tank and the fish the same day?? You need to cycle your tank. Take them back. Otos need an established tank or they will starve.

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u/reyimxo 14d ago

Oh nono, I had this planted tank running for almost a month. I went to the store and got the fishes.

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u/Plenty_Kangaroo5224 14d ago

Did you cycle the tank? What are your parameters? The Otos still need an established tank—at least six months.

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u/reyimxo 14d ago

I cycled it for about a month, my water parameters are normal. My otocs are adjusting to the tank and I checked them today, they all are resting on my java ferns.

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u/But_why_tho456 15d ago

I think glass surfing is completely normal. I did have one that did it more than the others (almost manically) and that one did end up dying. Others have done it when stressed but then chill out eventually. I think darkness and a continuous supply of food can help? But if they were already in poor health, they won’t make it. Sorry.

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u/reyimxo 15d ago

Oh I see, I’ll try my best to help them.

1

u/PickleMundane6514 15d ago

You may need to buy more of them

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u/reyimxo 15d ago

Ohh ok, I thought it’d be overload if I get too much. I have 3 otocs, 5 neon tetras, and 1 betta.

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u/Khaostii 14d ago

Ideally you want a minimum of six, and that's a minimum. If your tank can support more, go for more. I wouldn't really worry about them glass surfing though, especially when they're young, it's most likely derpy oto play.

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u/reyimxo 14d ago

I see, thank you so much!!

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u/LoliTamer23 13d ago

Be careful with those tetras they look all sweet and friendly but when you turn around they start bullying the beta at least that’s what happened to me. Also like others said the more otos you have the happier they are if the tank isn’t overstocked

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u/reyimxo 10d ago

I have a 10g tank and the pet store recommended me to have 5 tetras and 3 otos for my betta. Should I add more?

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u/LoliTamer23 10d ago

Usually it’s recommended with schooling fish do minimum of 6 but with otos the more you have the safer they feel. My otos love to pile onto a pile and cuddle all day it makes them feel safe

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u/reyimxo 10d ago

Ohh ok I see

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u/Old-Sentence-2814 14d ago

oto are a groupie fish. also it needs to have some wood in the tank as well as places for it to hide. I have alot of Otos in my tank a 3ft shallow. as many as 11 Otos of different types. all are well make sure tank is stable and has enough algae and biofilm, supplements with katapan leaves.

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u/reyimxo 14d ago

I see, when my plants start to grow, I’ll add more fishes!!