Hey, leggo my pleco!

SodeeMama

SodeeMama

...whatya mean it needs water???
Feb 15, 2005
72
0
0
Longview, WA. USA
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 pulcher
 
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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
 
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)
 
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.
 
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.
[edit] 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. [/edit]
 
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.
 
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