Liz wrote:
Elaine thanks for your comments - about the Otos: are you recommending
I not get them for this tank (perhaps wait for a later/larger tank), or
just explaining that they may be difficult for a beginner, or...?
(Just wanna be sure.)

I didn't get plants cuz my reading indicated it would complicate
matters for a newbie. If all goes well, I plan to upgrade (in a year
or so?) and put plants into a larger tank (70g?) at that time and
expand the community (keep the 10g for a hospital tank) - if it would
be better, I could wait on the Otos (they're awfully cute for fish,
which is why I wanted some - from reading, they also have interesting
personalities, so....).

Thanks,

Liz

I couldn't tell whether you wanted them for utility or cuteness. The
are kinda cute, in a catfishy way. Otos require very clean water and
prefer the same soft, neutral to low pH conditions as neons. They ARE
difficult to get acclimated as many are wild-caught and you have to plan
on losses for the first two months or so. After that, they're sturdier.

Some plants are easy - get a few Anubias and some java fern (the great
unkillables), use your existing lighting, and add FloraPride at water
changes. Both grow best tied to lava rock or wood, rather than being
planted in the gravel. You'll get some of the benefits of live plants
with very little hassle.

Sometimes, you can get otos to eat cucumber, lettuce leaves, or algae
wafers, and that's what you'll have to try with lower lighting. Also be
sure you have a bit of real bogwood or driftwood for them to rasp for fiber.

For another REALLY cute catfish that's well-suited to beginners with
small tanks, have you considered cories (Corydoras spp)? Once your tank
cycles, they're great little fish. They have more personality (I think)
than otos and acept just about any prepared or meaty food.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com