Cbass Posted April 4, 2022 Share Posted April 4, 2022 Hi all, just stopping in for an intro. I'm not new to aquariums, but new to planted. My current main setup: UNS 20 gal long with a school of neon tetras, a pair of ottos, and 5 amano shrimp. Tank is 2 months old, no C02. Bioload is pretty light and I may pick up a few nerite snails to help control some of the algae I'm fighting. Running lily pipes as well as this will home to our Betta who is currently waiting it a small 3 gal planted. Plants (I may butcher some of these names): rotalia rotundafolia, AR mini, AR (2 types I can't remember), lagenandara meedboli red/green, weeping moss, monte carlo grass (trying to grow a carpet), anubias nana and coffeola, Pink Panther crypt, and a pair of Brazilian Swords. Funny thing, I said I was going to start with a moderately planted tank...... I used to have a 50 gal tank for 3 Oscars and swore off aquariums for awhile since I was waiting to get my "forever home". But if you're familiar with the the Bay Area you know that it'll take forever to get a home that's not a condo. So I gave in and decided start over with a smaller tank. Have a great day/afternoon/evening depending on where you are in the world!! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted April 4, 2022 Share Posted April 4, 2022 Hi! Welcome to the forum, great start on the tank! You should get 6 or so more Otos, they're shoaling fish and will help with the algae (though you do have to supplement their diet) they are low on the bioload and their natural behaviors come out more when there are more of them. (I have 50-60 in one 10 gallon tank and they do well) Nerites are also awesome tank cleaners. If you can find the Horned variety I find they're one of the best of the best for whatever reason. Some nerites tend to stick to certain surfaces! I have about 14-18 in my 20 gallon tall that had 10 harlequin rasboras, 3 mystery snails and several nerites, no bioload issues there either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefty o Posted April 4, 2022 Share Posted April 4, 2022 welcome to the forum. nice tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cbass Posted April 4, 2022 Author Share Posted April 4, 2022 @xXInkedPhoenixX I'm actually going to the shop today to pick up some horned nerites. The tank is struggling with nitrates (too low) and I suspect that the bioload from the fish isn't enough to help feed the plants. I love the ottos, so will definitely get more of those. @lefty othank you!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted April 4, 2022 Share Posted April 4, 2022 It takes a bit for the tank to catch up as you may know, 2 months is pretty new still, you'll get there. Hope you find some horned nerites they're pretty great! If you don't though- it's ok the others are pretty awesome as well (I've had lots of varieties) 🙂 Have fun at the shop!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griznatch Posted April 4, 2022 Share Posted April 4, 2022 Welcome to the forum, very nice looking tank you got there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cbass Posted April 5, 2022 Author Share Posted April 5, 2022 @xXInkedPhoenixXI picked up 3 nerites to start and will get more later. The shop had a new shipment so they have a bunch. These things are really cool! @GriznatchThanks! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick_G Posted April 5, 2022 Share Posted April 5, 2022 I agree with @xXInkedPhoenixX, Otocinclus are great in a group. They do a good job on algae but are also just fun to have in the tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted April 5, 2022 Share Posted April 5, 2022 I love me some Nerites, they are some of my most favorite tank inhabitants, let alone super helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cbass Posted April 5, 2022 Author Share Posted April 5, 2022 (edited) Will get more Otos soon. Just trying to build up to it as I figure the plants out. Plus they ran out at the store..haha Edited April 5, 2022 by Cbass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted April 5, 2022 Share Posted April 5, 2022 It's ok, your tank is still new, it's just a goal to work up to. No rush. Patience is a virtue in this hobby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cbass Posted April 5, 2022 Author Share Posted April 5, 2022 I believe it. This is actually the first time that I've built a community tank. Obviously with Oscars and cichlids, you're limited with the type of fish you can put and community fish = feeders. Haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted April 5, 2022 Share Posted April 5, 2022 @Cbass it's fun! 🥳 The building up to the ultimate tank goals is part of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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