So I can't think of or find one...

Kelso

I need some sort of fish that eats algae that's not on oto, stays small enough for a 10 gallon tank, can withstand and live comfortably in 86-87 degree water, and will be safe with Dwarf Puffers. Ideas please!!!!

Twistersmom

Why not an oto?
To be honest, the oto is the only fish, that is said to do well with the DP. For some reason, otos do not seem to attract attention from the DPS. The DPs seem, not to notice them.
If algae is the problem, a little more scraping on water change days will help. You could add more snails. Some people have luck keeping algae eating shrimp with the DPs.

Byron

Your tank size may be an issue for otos, they are shoaling fish that should be in a group of minimum three to be less stressed and healthier. Don't know how many puffers you have, but you don't want to overstock a 10g. Another thought is water parameters, if the puffer is the species that can tolerate salt and you use salt, otos won't last.

If freshwater, and it won't overstock, 3 otos would be good. However, what type of algae? Otos will eat normal green and brown algae, but will not eat brush algae, hair algae, or cyanobacteria ( a green slime, not a true algae).

Byron.

kelly528

Yeah DPs are strictly freshwater and considering the minimal bioload they contribute they should be fine. Just keep up on maintenance cause puffs are quite messy wheras otos are very sensitive to water quality.

njudson

I have 3 otos in my 10 gallon and they are probably my favorite fish. Why are you looking for something else?

Fishin Pole

With the temp that high, your gonna be hard pressed to find bottom feeders that will survive.........Why is your temp at 86 to 87 for your Dwarf Puffer tank?............Its a little high for them.......

Kelso

They seem to be very happy in the hotter water, I am going to knock it down to 84 here soon. But the really seem to enjoy it. They swim a lot, eat, play, and explore. And I read so many differing opinion...general consensus would be about 81 degrees from what I gather. The biggest reason I am looking for something else is because I like variety. I don't like the same through out my tanks, even the bettas are different breeds and colors. But like I said, my puffers are fat, inquisitive, and their fins are never clamped. The high temperature is fine for them to be honest.

Fishin Pole

Having the temp that high leaves you no options of increasing it if you have an Ich outbreak and would need to raise the temp.......

Kelso

But ich can't even survive in that high temp of water. And that's partly why I keep it so high. All my tanks are 82-83...haven't had problems since.