Otocinclus In An African Tank?

[CichlidLover]

Hello. I was wondering if anyone here has had success with keeping Otocinclus catfish in an African cichlid tank -- mbunas, to be precise. I am considering getting some to hasten the removal of diatoms from my two-month-old aquarium. Being as they do hail from South America, where the pH level is considerably lower than Lake Malawi, would they be able to withstand a pH of 8.0 or higher? I only have a 45 gallon tank, so I am considering this species due to its small size.

Thanks!

[shino]

Hello. I was wondering if anyone here has had success with keeping Otocinclus catfish in an African cichlid tank -- mbunas, to be precise. I am considering getting some to hasten the removal of diatoms from my two-month-old aquarium. Being as they do hail from South America, where the pH level is considerably lower than Lake Malawi, would they be able to withstand a pH of 8.0 or higher? I only have a 45 gallon tank, so I am considering this species due to its small size.

Thanks!

Usually catfish are pretty resilient, however I'd be wary mixing anything African with anything south American due to the differences in water preference. I wouldn't do it simply for that fact, however if you do it and it works let me know. I've kinda been wanting to get a catfish for my african tank, tired of all the common pelcos

[CichlidLover]

Hello Shino. Thanks for your response, and I apologize for this delayed response. I have pretty much been receiving the same piece of advice on other fish boards that I visit as well. I've decided to forgo adding any cats to the tank, and simply wait for the more beneficial green algae to overcome the diatoms.

Thanks again!