Hey, leggo my pleco!

[SodeeMama]

Am I headed in the right direction? I've had two folks tell me so far not to include a pleco or plecostamus (for you scientific sorts :rolleyes: ) in my community tank.

For why, I say.

I'd like to get input on this...opinions..experiences...factual info...all would be nice.

For those of you who'd care, refer to the following link before you respond.


http://www.mongabay.com/fish/loricariidae.htm#Peckoltia%20pulcher

[Holly9937]

What size tank do you have and what other fish are you considering/have? Those are the main reasons you may be getting discouraged from addind a pleco if I had to guess

[Kasakato]

We need that ^ first.

[Beagles]

The reason you're being told to not add the pleco is most likely because it'll get too big for your tank.

Which type of pleco do you plan on getting? The most common kind that you find in your LFS has the very real potential to get extremely large....Anyone that tells you that a fish will only 'get as big as the tank parameters allow' needs to be smacked with a newspaper ---- as that type of thinking would result in a stunted, unhealthy animal. (imagine growing a rottweiler in a crate meant for a toy poodle and you get the idea)

[Kasakato]

FWIW Common Pleco need a 55g ++ tank.

[fishpoor]

I'm assuming you are still talking about a 30 gallon tank. Either a bristlenose, or a couple of ottos (although not a pleco) would fit as long as you've got the room ( bio load wise). I love plecos, but to have a common, you need a bigger tank and an accomodating friend with a much bigger tank. Bristlenose aren't great algae eaters, but then, nether are rasboras and I like them too. What i'm saying is that if you like plecos, there are several that can do well in a 30 gallon tank. If you're thinking garbage disposal, forget it. Like any fish, they generally make more mess than they clean up.

[Blinky]

I agree, you're probably being discouraged because a common pleco will outgrow your tank - heck, they outgrow most tanks. Take heart, there are options for smaller tanks - I've got a 65g and wanted a pleco, but not a 2' poop machine. I bought a little Ancistrus claro - a type of bushy nosed pleco - and he's wonderful. He'll top out at less than 5", which is perfect for me.
Even for very small tanks, you can still get your catfish fix - Otocinclus - 'otos' - are tiny suckermouth catfish with lots of personality and an amazing capacity for brown and soft green algaes.
looks like fishpoor just beat me to it! For a 30g, I'd go with otos or a rubber lip pleco - my bristlenose is very active and fiercely territorial. Even at his present 3", I don't think he'd be happy in a 30g.

[Raskolnikov]

If anyone bothered to check the link that SM provided, the fish in question is a Peckoltia pulcher. Monga lists a max size of about 3" and temperment as peaceful. Without knowing anytihng about your tank or other inhabitants, this seems like a fine fish for the average friendly community tank over 20 gallons.

[cyberbeer65]

I have a common pleco.

[Emg]

That clown pleco looks pretty cool and a nice option for those who like plecos but don't have a tank large enough for the average variety. Wonder how much one of those goes for ?


Oh...lol.....love the title for this thread !! :D

[L046]

If you want smaller species, check out the Peckoltia, Ancistrus, Otocinclus or hypancistrus family.

[Beagles]

If anyone bothered to check the link that SM provided, the fish in question is a Peckoltia pulcher. Monga lists a max size of about 3" and temperment as peaceful. Without knowing anytihng about your tank or other inhabitants, this seems like a fine fish for the average friendly community tank over 20 gallons.

Actually, I DID bother to check out that link.....It lists several different plecos, so I had absolutely no idea which one SD is talking about. ;)

[Kasakato]

I have a Bristlenose in my 20g.

[Blinky]

If anyone bothered to check the link that SM provided, the fish in question is a Peckoltia pulcher. Monga lists a max size of about 3" and temperment as peaceful. Without knowing anytihng about your tank or other inhabitants, this seems like a fine fish for the average friendly community tank over 20 gallons.
I followed the link and saw everything from Bristlenose to oto to common and sailfin plecos - thought it would be best to post with specific fish I thought would work :)

[Raskolnikov]

Yes, there are many fish on that page, but the "#Peckoltia%20pulcher" in the hyperlink should send you right to that one inparticular.

[Nuriel]

I suggest a rubberlip (or rubbernose, as i once saw them listed as), they have rad personality and should be happy in a 29 or 30 g.
by the way sm, cute avatar!!!!

[SodeeMama]

Like before, I have the garden-variety dk. murky brown pl*co in my tank. To date he is still but a babe...a whole 2"....if it is true, that is, about his growth pattern - well, he's going back.

Darn that PETCO - I'll have to go check out my local aquarium specialis stores.

SML.

[Beagles]

Yes, there are many fish on that page, but the "#Peckoltia%20pulcher" in the hyperlink should send you right to that one inparticular.


Perhaps it should...but no where (in either this thread or the other thread SD started) does SD mention that particular pleco. We're given a link that lists many, many different plecos and no specifics..... ;)

[Blinky]

Like before, I have the garden-variety dk. murky brown pl*co in my tank. To date he is still but a babe...a whole 2"....if it is true, that is, about his growth pattern - well, he's going back.
I think that's a good choice - there are lots of fun, small pleco-like cats to choose from that will be happy in a smaller tank for their entire lifespan. :)

[Kissofthegorami]

A bristlenose or clown pleco would be fine. No one needs a comon pleco, they should stop selling them so frequently. Plecos do have their downside. They are messy and they all eat plants to different degrees. The bristlenose and clown pleco stay small but they will hide most of the time. true siamese algae eaters and otos are more fun to watch and are harmless to plants.

[Harlock]

A bristlenose or clown pleco would be fine. No one needs a comon pleco, they should stop selling them so frequently. Plecos do have their downside. They are messy and they all eat plants to different degrees. The bristlenose and clown pleco stay small but they will hide most of the time. true siamese algae eaters and otos are more fun to watch and are harmless to plants.
Kiss nailed it. Common plecos, in my opinion, are great for ponds. Smaller plecs can be cool, but you generally pay a lot for them and seldomc get tot see them due to ther nocturnal natures. I say Ottos all the way. Oh, and sorry Petco messed you over, Sodee. It pays to check out selection, then research online, then go back to the store.

[poopyhead021]

I've had plecos in various community tanks for more than 10 years now, and have never had any troubles. I never get any of the fancy varieties, just your standard run-of-the-mill spotted type, and they do wonders for mixing up my substrate and cleaning my driftwood

[Aqualung]

I agree with Harlock - otos are an excellent alternative to plecos. I have a clown pleco, but it is my least favorite fish because I never see it at all. Basically it's just adding to my bioload. Many people like plecos, and there are some varieties that won't grow very large, but I would take a group of otos over a pleco any day. My otos are always out and about, constantly grazing on algae and feeding on fresh veggies.

[SodeeMama]

Check out my newest thread, maties.