Max W. Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 Hi, I’m not new to freshwater fish keeping but I’m also not an expert. I could need some advice with my fish, I currently have 4 Cory Catfish, 4 neon tetras and 3 cherry barbs in a 28 gallon tank. I’ve raised all but one Cory from fry that I got for free from a pet store. I’m currently raising 2 Sanke Swordtail fry. Does anyone think that this tank is overstocked? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony s Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 (edited) welcome to the forum! No, I think you're way understocked. to give you an idea of what you could go up to. Try playing with aqadvisor.com. this will give you a basic understanding of where you're at. and it's a bit on the conservative side Edited March 14 by Tony s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max W. Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 Do you think that I could add 2 or 3 otocinclus to my tank. I have an algae problem which keeps spreading all over my tank. The snails aren’t doing a dent in it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitecloud09 Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 On 3/13/2024 at 9:25 PM, Max W. said: Do you think that I could add 2 or 3 otocinclus to my tank. I have an algae problem which keeps spreading all over my tank. The snails aren’t doing a dent in it. Welcome to the forum, I think u might be ok with that, especially since you are super understocked. What kinda snails are you speaking of and what algae @Max W.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max W. Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 I’m currently unaware of what snails I have. I know I have 3 rams horn snails and 2 other snails. Can you identify them for me? I think they are a species of pest snail. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitecloud09 Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 (edited) Possibly a mystrey snail but might be a sort pest snail… Edited March 14 by Whitecloud09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max W. Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 (edited) I don’t know what type of algae it is, I will send a photo Edited March 14 by Max W. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max W. Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 I’m pretty sure it’s spot algae I’ve just identified the snail. It’s a bladder snail. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony s Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 Yes , you could absolutely add otocinclus. But I’d probably do around 5 or so, they tend to be social animals. They will go after any surface algae. They’re so good at it, it doesn’t take them much time to eliminate it. In which case you’re going to have to feed them regularly. They can take algae wafers. But prefer veggies. You can cut zucchini rounds, blanch them in microwave for a bit. Then stab with a fork and drop in. Healthy otos should have a pudgy belly. If not they actually starving. Watch for this when purchasing as well 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max W. Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 Would cucumbers work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony s Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 On 3/13/2024 at 10:00 PM, Max W. said: I’ve just identified the snail. It’s a bladder snail Yeah, they never get big enough to do anything,really. That’s one of the reasons they’re pest snails, not much value. For algae control you’ll want either mystery snails or nerite snails. They both get much bigger 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max W. Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 I just checked, nvm Ok, thanks for the advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony s Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 On 3/14/2024 at 12:33 AM, Max W. said: Would cucumbers work Yes, it should. Or canned green beans. Mine just preferred the zucchini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max W. Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 Ok, thanks! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clownbaby Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 Haha, me too! I am pretty new here and I think the biggest critique we fishkeepers have is if our tanks are overstocked... one mentor told me this morning that 'if you're questioning if your tank is overstocked, you're a good fishkeeper.' I think she meant that always keeping space and comfortability in mind for your fish shows not only that you care, but that you care enough to learn! Super happy to meet so many nice folk on here, I think you will be as well!! Also, even if they are 'pest snails' those bladder snails are SOOOO CUTE!!!!! I am just a pro-snail person though, I love them so so so much. How long is your light on for? Reducing light can help limit algae. You can also get a toothbrush and twirl it around (kinda like spaghetti) and manually remove the algae. Weekly water changes help a lot too, I find that doing a water change after I remove the algae reduces it the most. Floaters help too, they thrive so much they end up outcompeting algae for nutrients (and light!). But hey, take the algae growth as a compliment from nature: you have a great and healthy ecosystem in your tank! I second what some other folk have said about mystery snails. My baby boy is a month old (less than an inch big) and already has been cleaning up biofilm, dirt, and algae like a beast!!! You'd be surprised how fast those guys can go. And you're pretty safe having multiple, since they aren't hermaphrodites (they likely won't take over your tank!! I have no idea how to tell the difference of males and females, though)... I haven't had nerite snails before but I hear they do a great job. They are hermaphrodites, but their eggs can only hatch in brackish conditions, so they also won't overtake your tank. I've also heard amano shrimp are good at algae clean up, some swear they're the best... but I personally have no experience. Best of luck dude!!!!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clownbaby Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 (edited) You can also feed otos cooked spinach, they adore that. Cucumbers, zucchini, spinach, leafy greens, and peas are good veggies for all algae eaters. Most of em willingly accept algae wafers too. Edited March 14 by clownbaby clarification 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clownbaby Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 (edited) Haha, me too! I am pretty new here and I think the biggest critique we fishkeepers have is if our tanks are overstocked... one mentor told me this morning that 'if you're questioning if your tank is overstocked, you're a good fishkeeper.' I think she meant that always keeping space and comfortability in mind for your fish shows not only that you care, but that you care enough to learn! Super happy to meet so many nice folk on here, I think you will be as well!! Also, even if they are 'pest snails' those bladder snails are SOOOO CUTE!!!!! I am just a pro-snail person though, I love them so so so much. How long is your light on for? Reducing light can help limit algae. You can also get a toothbrush and twirl it around (kinda like spaghetti) and manually remove the algae. Weekly water changes help a lot too, I find that doing a water change after I remove the algae reduces it the most. Floaters help too, they thrive so much they end up outcompeting algae for nutrients (and light!). But hey, take the algae growth as a compliment from nature: you have a great and healthy ecosystem in your tank! I second what some other folk have said about mystery snails. My baby boy is a month old (less than an inch big) and already has been cleaning up biofilm, dirt, and algae like a beast!!! You'd be surprised how fast those guys can go. And you're pretty safe having multiple, since they aren't hermaphrodites (they likely won't take over your tank!! I have no idea how to tell the difference of males and females, though)... I haven't had nerite snails before but I hear they do a great job. They are hermaphrodites, but their eggs can only hatch in brackish conditions, so they also won't overtake your tank. I've also heard amano shrimp are good at algae clean up, some swear they're the best... but I personally have no experience. Best of luck dude!!!!!! Edit: I am so sorry for the spam, my computer wigged out!! Edited March 14 by clownbaby Apology Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max W. Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 Sorry for the late reply, I turned my notifications off for a while. I currently have my light on for 3 hours. I’m still getting new plants and I accidentally cooked a few with too much light. I feed them at 7:00 A.M and again at around 6:30 P.M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitecloud09 Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 @Max W., good info from @clownbaby, take it lol, @clownbaby very helpful there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max W. Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 I have the algae problem under control now, but I have a huge problem. I am going to create a topic to talk about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitecloud09 Posted March 15 Share Posted March 15 On 3/14/2024 at 7:59 PM, Max W. said: I have the algae problem under control now, but I have a huge problem. I am going to create a topic to talk about it. Ok, will look for it, once posted🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max W. Posted March 15 Author Share Posted March 15 It’s in diseases. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now