Question regarding oto cats and algae

Doesn't really work quite so easy. You setup all depends on you plant types, how much you want to fertilize and how much effort you want to put into pruning and making adjustments. There's no simple setup when it involves planted tanks though admittedly some are easier than others. I would suggest deciding on a) what you can afford to do, b) what your end goal is, c) what other types of fish you would like. some people build around their fish, some build around their plants and some go for straight aesthetics. It all boils down to preference. And while otos may help with some types of algae, There are many, many other factors to consider.

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Otos don't eat every type of algae you might acquire with an algae-prone setup. And, of the types they will eat, they may vastly prefer some over others.

Building on the OPs ideas, otos really seem to like diatoms. I've heard they are common for early planted tanks and then die out as it becomes established. ...but is there anything you can do to keep it going?

okay great info, i do i have a good idea of what i want which is why i am asking about this specific situation.

With what is said though, the oto's will "help" with the algae but could still have other algae issues. right?

Grumble69 said:

Building on the OPs ideas, otos really seem to like diatoms. I've heard they are common for early planted tanks and then die out as it becomes established. ...but is there anything you can do to keep it going?

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good question i too would like to know.

I hear people complain about oto's dying off pretty easily.

philipraposo1982 said:

okay great info, i do i have a good idea of what i want which is why i am asking about this specific situation.

With what is said though, the oto's will "help" with the algae but could still have other algae issues. right?

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Yes, there is no one creature that will eat all types of algae. It's generally a better idea to minimize any blooms by maintaining a good balance within your ecosystem and allow otos to do their own thing and not rely on them too much.

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philipraposo1982 said:

good question i too would like to know.

I hear people complain about oto's dying off pretty easily.

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Otos are not the hardiest of fish, they are shy and can be sensitive to a lot of outside influences, ie water quality, water chemistry and tank mates. I would be reluctant to say they died off because there wasn't enough diatoms.

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my end goal is to build an environment that replicates that as a natural one.

I would like fish that go with this idea and ideally to balance everything with as little tech as possible.

maybe oto's will not work for my plan.

philipraposo1982 said:

my end goal is to build an environment that replicates that as a natural one.

I would like fish that go with this idea and ideally to balance everything with as little tech as possible.

maybe oto's will not work for my plan.

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Actually oto would probably prefer to go along with less fuss and a low tech tank. But being low tech would still require plenty of hiding spots, heavily planted and non aggressive or "hyper" bottom dwellers.

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that sounds good, the other housemates i am planning for atm would be a large school of rummynose tetras, another school of something still unsure (this may or may not happen)
4x rams 2 males and 2 females
4 dwarf gourami 1 male 3 females
and i wanted oto's maybe 5-6 of em

not sure what else if anything i don't want the tank to be too heavy on fish.

The only issue with the rams is that they can sometimes be very pushy towards the bottom of the tank. Some people have no problems, some do. It's up to personal discretion I guess.

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pushy as is against the substrate and dig up stuff or like towards other bottom dwellers?

my rams are really great with their tank mates UNTIL breeding time....aggression begins and doesn't stop till the parents have decided that "eating them is protecting them" then the rams are friendly again