Otocinclus are the best fishes for controlling the algae spreading in the fish tank. But many otocinclus are dying due to changes in the otocinclus water parameters. If the water temperature becomes low the otocinclus fish struggle to breathe at the bottom of the tank.
Now let’s look at the required water parameter for otocinclus fish.
- Water temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Water pH Level: 6-7.5
- Water Hardness: soft to hardy
Water parameters are essential for otocinclus fish because sudden changes in the water parameters can affect the health and immunity system of the fish. In this article, you will learn more about otocinclus water parameters and how to control the water parameters.
What is Otocinclus Fish?
Otocinclus is a type of catfish for reduces the growth of algae spreading in the fish tank. Basically, otocinclus are from the Loricariidae family native to South America and they are found in the Amazon River Basin of different types. Otocinclus are also known as Dwarf Suckers because they have sucker mouths for eating algae.
What are the Otocinclus water parameters
These are the basic water parameters requirement for otocinclus fish.
- Water temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Water pH Level: 6-7.5
- Water Hardness: soft to hardy
The water quality needs to be maintained with filters and regular cleaning because many people think that otocinclus will clean whole waste in the tank like sucker fish. Otocinclus are used for maintaining the growth of algae in the fish tank.
Filter and weekly tank maintenance will improve the quality of water and the health of fish. Poor quality water will reduce the oxygen level and fish struggle to breathe at the bottom of the tank and become stressed.
Do Otocinclus need a Filter?
Filter was an essential part of every aquarium for cleaning the physical and chemical substances from the water. Otocinclus need filters because they need quality water without any waste such as food waste, fish poops, etc.
The filter will reduce the waste substance in the water and generate fresh water after purifying. There are three types of filtration Chemical Filtration, biological filtration, and mechanical Filtration.
Otocinclus will only help to reduce the growth of algae in the fish tank and they will not eat any waste such as fish poop, food waste, etc.
Do Otocinclus need a Heater?
The heater is important for otocinclus for maintaining the water temperature. Sudden changes in the water temperature will affect the immunity system of fish. The heater will increase the water temperature according to the otocinclus requirements.
The required water temperature for the otocinclus fish tank is 72-82°F (22-28°C). If the water temperature is high, then the heater will automatically shut down. So don’t worry about the water temperature.
Do Otocinclus need an Air Pump?
The air pump is used for generating water flow in the fish tank for gas exchange. Otocinclus are found in the bottom side of the tank and they need oxygen for breathing.
So the air pump will generate water flow for releasing carbon dioxide and encourage oxygen content in the fish tank. The importance of an air pump is to generate oxygen content in the tank and improve the health of fish.
Do Otocinclus need Live plants?
Live plants are essential for fish tanks for converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. Otocinclus need live plants because they spend more time cleaning the leaves of the live plants and eat small bacteria and algae.
Do Otocinclus need Sand?
Sand is an important part of fish tanks for improving the quality of water and encouraging the growth of live plants. The sand or other substrate will hide food waste, fish poop and encourage bacteria economy.
Do Otocinclus need a Hiding Spot?
Otocinclus needs a hiding spot if there are aggressive tankmates. The Otocinclus stays more time on the leaves of the plants or on the driftwood. You can set up caves and decorations for the otocinclus tank.
Do Otocinclus produce a lot of waste?
Otocinclus will not produce large quantities of waste like goldfish because they eat green algae and algae wafers. So there will be less waste from the otocinclus. You can keep a filtration system in the aquarium to clean the waste substance.
Why is Otocinclus dying faster?
According to research, We found that Otocinclus was dying due to sudden changes in the water parameters and water quality. It was very hard to control the water parameters and water quality for otocinclus fish. The otocinclus come from the river basin and sudden shifts in temperature lead to health and immunity problems.
To increase the lifespan of Otocinclus fish, You need to provide a good filtration system with quality algae wafers and vegetables for otocinclus fish.
Can Otocinclus live in hard water?
You can keep otocinclus in soft to hard water, but changes in the water parameters will affect the immunity system and health of otocinclus fish. Otocinclus are suitable for most fish tanks because they are peaceful fishes.
What is the Water parameter for Breeding Otocinclus?
- Water temperature between : 70-79°F (21-26°C)
- pH Level: 6.0–7.5
- Nitrate levels between 0-20ppm (parts per million)
- Water hardness: no greater than 15dH
Do Otocinclus eat Dead Leaves
Otocinclus will eat decade plants and leaves. You may see the otocinclus fish spending more time on the leaves of live plants to eat algae and small bacteria. The waste of the decade plants needs to be removed faster from the fish tank because there will be a chance for algae spreading in the fish tank.
Will Otocinclus eat Food Waste?
Otocinclus will not eat any food waste. Many people think otocinclus are used for cleaning the waste from the fish tank like sucker fish. Otocinclus are used for reducing the algae spreading from the fish tank. You can feed them algae wafers and vegetables for the healthy growth of otocinclus.
Will Otocinclus eat Fish Poop?
Otocinclus will not fish poop or any waste in the fish tank. The Otocinclus will eat only algae from the tank. If you feed the quality algae wafers and vegetables then otocinclus will not eat any waste or fish poop.
