Otocinclus death

Question
Hi Chris (welcome back!)

I have a 26 gallon (90 litre) freshwater tropical tank, set up for 8
weeks.

I traded in my chinese algae eater quick smart as I think he
injured one of the goramis and started chasing everything he
could get near - - and not just at feeding time.  He was only
about 5cm long and fat as a tick so I don't know why.

I bought 2 otocinclus and floated the bag for longer than usual.
One oto is happy as Larry.  The other one died a few hours after
introduction.  : (

I think I bought a skinny one and it got too stressed. Does this
sound typical to you?

Ammonia is zero and nitrites are zero. I think the PH is about
7.3

I am treating the tank with Melafix and Pimafix for the gorami.

I am getting a replacement oto from the shop in a couple of days  
(new batch) -- any additional suggestions to improve our
chances would be much appreciated!

Gillian  : )

Answer
Hi Gillian;

Thanks! It's good to be back! My computer crashed from a virus in spite of all the extreme precautions I take. All is well again!

Chinese algae eaters are just mean little devils. They want to suck the life out of everything else sometimes.

The otocinclus death is pretty typical I'm afraid. We have a rule of thumb in the aquarium trade with those little fellas; "Get 4 Otos so you can keep 2". It just seems that up to 50% of them are expected to die soon after purchase. It's weird.

Look for good eaters with chubby bellies. Make sure the little guys are actually eating and aren't simply bloated. Actually watch them eat. Let the fish store keep them for a few days so you aren't doubling their transport shock by moving them again too quickly. If they are going to die there, it will happen in the first 2 or 3 days usually. If they have 4 or 5 days to recover, you might have better luck.

Once the new fish is sealed in the transport bag at the fish store, get him home within an hour-and-a-half. Float the bag in your tank for no longer than 15 minutes and don't pour the transport water into the tank. Net the fish out and throw away the bag water.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins