Arthemisa

This is my tank. It's 10 gallons, began as walstad but transitioned to sponge filter plus another filter for carbon to remove medication.


I have 8 endlers, all male. I also have 5 amano shrimp and about 6-9 cherry shrimp (some are babies). I've been having issues with algae, so I ordered 3 oto fish and a nerite snail. Well, I received 5 otos and 2 snails. I don't really know anybody near me who has an aquarium and would take in the extra snail and fish, so for now I have them all in my tank. that beings me to a total of:

13 fish, 1 inch long each in average
2 nerites
about 12-15 shrimp

I know it's overstocked now. I think I got a bit too excited about keeping this tank and how well it's been doing. I don't want any of the fish to die, but since the otos are new, there is a chance they may not make it even after quarantine and medication. My plan is to keep weekly water changes, once I'm done with med treatment, replace that filter for a second sponge one, and just be careful how I feed everybody. Is there anything else I should do to keep all these critters healthy and happy? Am i missing anything?

hoppycalif

Your aquarium looks very good, well planted, with lots of healthy, growing plants. For that reason I doubt that you will have an overstocking problem with all of your livestock. None of the fish are big, none are overactive and a threat to their neighbors. I think if you keep the plants doing well you should not need to worry.

Arthemisa

Thank you! I've been having ongoing issues with algae on the glass and hair algae growing mostly on the hornwort. The amano turned out to be freeloaders because they don't touch that type of algae at all, so I'm hoping the nerite will help. I don't think the otos ear hair algae, but if they do, that's a bonus.

The poor otos are so skinny and some have damaged tails, like the fins were eaten by something. Good thing that I'm treating them with the trio of meds aquarium co-op recommends. I've read that otos tend to die within the first week or two if they were too weak from when they were caught (I doubt these ones were bred) until shipping. I hope at least 3 of mine make it.

mistergreen

Maybe a 2nd 10G tank? lol

I saw a video that wowed me the other day. A tank full of run of the mill Molly ate hair algae and Black beard algae. Make sure not to feed them I guess.

Yeah, otos will need a special diet. That repashy soylant green seems to work.

Arthemisa

Right now I have them in my planted tank. I'm treating the whole tank instead of quarantine as these little guys are too skinny and need access to algae asap. I got algae wafers that either the otos or the shrimp will eat, but I'll get that food you recommend this week and see how they do with it.