View Full Version : Pleco companions and Plants...
firepixie2
08-22-2008, 11:14 AM
:goldfish: I just recieved a 55 gallon tank and a seven and a half inch Common Pleco to go along with it. I've heard that plecos' are mostly nocturnal, so I would like to add some fish for activity during the day. I am also interested in decking the whole tank out with plants, but I heard that Plecos completley DESTROY planted tanks. Is this true? Does anyone have Plant sugesstions? My tank has medium lighting...and it will recieve a few hours of sunlight, as its indirectly in the sun.
:1zhelp:?
Lupin
08-22-2008, 11:26 AM
If you want to consider plecos, try otocinclus, Sturisoma panamense, Rineloricaria parva, Farlowella gracilis, L010a (Hemiloricaria sp.), ancistrus, rubbet-lipped plecos (Chaetostoma sp.) or queen arabesque.
firepixie2
08-22-2008, 11:40 AM
no I ALREADY have a common pleco...I would like to add OTHER fish for day activity.
thanks though. =)
Lupin
08-22-2008, 11:43 AM
I'd ditch the common pleco. It's just not suitable for a 55g long-term.
krytan
08-22-2008, 11:47 AM
I agree with lupin, your common is going to need a much bigger tank. Common plecos will grow 18" to 24" and a 55g tank is only 12" wide so it won't be able to turn around.
firepixie2
08-22-2008, 11:47 AM
ugh but I canttt. I just need to work with/around it. =P
and I know how big they grow...I guess I'll have to work with that when it gets that big.
for now, I have to deal.
any sugesstions?
krytan
08-22-2008, 11:51 AM
Yes, either get a bigger tank or rehome your pleco :)
firepixie2
08-22-2008, 11:51 AM
-.-
haha you know what i meant. I cant do either of those things!!
Lupin
08-22-2008, 11:54 AM
Well, I'd still consider a replacement regardless. There is no way you can keep a common pleco there.
firepixie2
08-22-2008, 11:55 AM
okay well what If I just keep the pleco in the 55 with no other fish and change tanks when he gets too big?
that sound good?
and what plants should I add? =)
krytan
08-22-2008, 11:55 AM
It's hard to say what fish to suggest as there are so many to choose from, what fish do you like?
Also your pleco will have a very high bio load so you wont be able to add many fish with him in there.
krytan
08-22-2008, 11:57 AM
okay well what If I just keep the pleco in the 55 with no other fish and change tanks when he gets too big?
that sound good?
and what plants should I add? =)
No thats not a good idea, you could end up stunting him if you leave him in there to long.
firepixie2
08-22-2008, 12:06 PM
ah you're right. lol
I cant get rid of him though. He's my cousins. Shes moving and wanted me to keep him. LOL what do I do now?!?!! hahaha
krytan
08-22-2008, 12:09 PM
Tell your cousins they either need to get you a bigger tank or you will have to rehome him.
firepixie2
08-22-2008, 12:12 PM
ha okay, better idea:: give him away and not tell her. ^_^ lol I have neighbours who would love another pleco. =D
okay sooo noww I have a 55 gallon tank with nothing in it. hm...
DO you know of any fast growing chain plants?
Elodea densa, Java moss and E. tenellus?
Cory Keeper
08-24-2008, 6:19 AM
If you still want plecos in your tank there are a number of options available, www.planetcatfish would be able to give you more info on some species.
But Clown plecos, albino Bristlenose and reg bristle nose, rubberlip (also known as a bulldog plec) plecos are all available to you, along with a couple other options that I'm not aware of