New Tank

Hello All - I've had my tank running for about 5 weeks and have had fish in it for about 4 weeks. I had 5 - 3 tiger barbs and 2 gouramis to start. I lost the barbs but the others are doing well. My tank has not cycled completed yet although it looks like it's moving right along since a friend gave me some water and a plant from his tank. So, a couple of days ago I started getting that brown algae and I figured I better get an pleco to help. It looks like he's starting to clean the brown stuff, but now I read that otos like it and I'm wondering if I got the wrong fish for this. I have a 20 gal tank. My ammonia level is at 1.5 and the nitrites are moving up. It has been a really slow process. Any suggestions on the brown stuff. Also, when the barbs were doing bad I changed 20% of the water and they didn't make it. I haven't done a water change since the petstore said to wait one month before I did a water change. I was thinking about doing one soon thinking that might help with the algae. It's growing on my rocks and fake plants. What about snails?? HELP

[fishfreaks]

First, welcome the fish forums! Secondly, brown algae is common in newly setup tanks, so is cloudy water. In my opinion i would return the algae eater, and wait for the tank to finish cycling. Then I would add a pair of ottos. Cycling the tank will be a slow process, as long as you have the tank stocked. In the meantime, you can just scrub the algae if it bothers you.

Thanks. I already had the cloudy water...it cleared completely up in about 2 days. I hate having to take the fish back. Can I keep him with the otos? I plan to get barbs, and a shark later on.

[Fishfirst]

patients is key here, take the pleco back, your ammonia is still way to high to be adding fish.

I didn't plan on adding any fish until the tank cycles. I just was curious if the otos will work with the barbs?

[maxpayne_lhp]

Probably... so now how many barbs you have?

I dont' have any barbs now. I have 2 gouramis. Once the tanks cycled I'd like to get 3 tiger barbs and a couple of rosey barbs and a green tiger barb. But not all at once. I know a couple a week to let things even out.

[Damon]

Those tiger barbs are going to be nothing but trouble in those numbers. They are notorious fin nippers and require a lot of swimming space. The pleco, if it is a common one will grow to a foot. They also produce a lot of waste and are not suited for a tank that small. If you go with otos (once the tank is cycled) get at least 4 as they perfer groups.

[Lydia]

Yeah if it is a common pleco you should def. get rid of it. Also sharks more likely than not will get too big for your tank, depending on what kind you get. Otos would be good though.

[Fishfirst]

Id suggest getting tetras instead

I like the Barbs. I will deal with the algae some other way if the otos won't work with the barbs. Thanks for all the help!

[fishfreaks]

Originally Posted by nitamtn

I like the Barbs. I will deal with the algae some other way if the otos won't work with the barbs. Thanks for all the help!

barbs shouls be in a bigger tank. They need the schooling and swimming room for it