Oto's 4 Dead and 2 MIA

[Mahamotorworks]

I bought 6 otos for my 75 G Tank last night. I floated them for 1/2 an hour, When I added them I had one seam to die instantly. I wake up this morning and 3 others are dead and I can find the other 2. I have no idea what happened. My Stats are 0 ammonia, 0 nitrItes, 5 nitrAtes, Temp 80*. I have read the Profile for them on here and I guess I just got a bad lot from the LFS. There is plenty of algea to eat in my tank. I know the Chick at the LFS didnt help any while catching them. She really didnt know what they were.

The Albino Cory Cat that I bought at the same time are doing great.

Has any one else had the same thing happen?

Thanks

MAHA

EDIT:

Just found one of the MIA ones he has passed to. Well I of to the LFS to see what they say. Located the last one he dosent look to good.

 

[hyunelan2]

Ottos are very fragile when it comes to introducing them to new tanks. Once they adapt to the tank, they're pretty hardy, but losses are usually high when intorducing them to the tank.

 

[GIS Guy]

While I float fish to be added I always add a little of my own tank water a few times during the float.
I believe that mixing my tank water into the LFS water allows the fish to acclimate to my params.
Once complete the netted fish is then more used to its permanent home.

 

[Mahamotorworks]

I did a water change before I went to the LFS. The temp was in the mid 70's. I dont think that helped either. They were swiming in the Bag just fine. I will be getting more today. Thanks for the help.

MAHA

Any Plants yet GIS? I hope the weather didnt screw the postal system up.

 

[Lotus]

I agree on drip acclimating. Parameters such as hardness or pH can shock a recently transported fish, and sensitive ones can keel over and die within a few minutes/hours if you don't acclimate them.

It's a good idea to either know what parameters your LFS keeps the fish in, either by asking them or testing the water in the bag. Some stores use RO water, which is probably very different from your tank water.

 

[GIS Guy]

Mail isn't delivered usually 'til after Noon.
I'll keep you posted.

 

[Smalltank3]

For most fish, you have to add water from your tank into the bag every 5-10 minutes or so. I do this to every fish I get.

 

[GIS Guy]

Does your LFS provide a fish warranty?
The one in my town has 2-3 day, w/ water test.

 

[Mahamotorworks]

Ya they have a warranty. I just got 6 more. For free. They guy helping me was a dick. He asked if I brought water in to have tested I asked him what he wanted to know. He said what your water tests at.
I said
0 ammonia,
0 nirtItes,
5 NitrAtes,
PH 6.6,
KH 2* or 35.8ppm,
GH 5* or 89.5ppm,
about 82*. Any thing else?

He didnt say much after that. When he got the new fish in a bag one of them wasnt looking to well. I took it back to him and asked if I could change him out. He didnt believe me, he stared at the fish in the bag just kinda floating there for a couple of mins before he would do any thing. I should have walked away. There are 2 ladies that work there that I will now olny go to. They know what they ae doing. The other it is just a job to them, kinda sad. but oh well.

MAHA

 

[Flowmsp]

What part of florida are you in? And what fish store was it? I am now stopping going to a certain one near me. Had fish die on me and only response i really got was, i dont have a clue why they would die, and wouldnt do anything for me.

 

[Mahamotorworks]

I am in Panam City. It was Petsmart. From whatI have read They are a fish that either dies in 2weeks or Lives forever. I will still buy fish from them. It is to be expected from the Otto.

MAHA

 

[Mahamotorworks]

Of the 2nd batch of 6 I got only 2 survived the night. I took the other 4 back. They wouldnt give me any more ottos. I got chinese alge eaters instead. I will be looking for more ottos in a couple of months. I will keep everyone posted.

MAHA

 

[Breeze7050]

Maha - I had the same thing happen to me this weekend. I think they just have a hard time with acclimating to somewhere new. Either way, I lost all 3 the very first night. 2 within a few hours and the other overnight. Not worth my time to take them back. May try a different store, but Im not sure.
Anyway, just didn't want you to feel like it was only you!!

 

[Mahamotorworks]

I know I was reading on other sitea about how people have lost a lot. I will try again in a couple of months.

MAHA