Pleco Problems!

[csdax]

When I first started getting into fish, I was advised by 2 different stores (Wal-Mart and SuperPet), that every tank should always have a pleco, to help keep it clean. This, apparently, applied whether you were getting goldfish or tropical, regardless of the size of the tank!

Now I know better, of course, but I already have the plecos! I currently have 4 of them - 2 in my 55 gal and 2 in separate 10 gal tanks (the 10 gals are both used only for guppy birthing).

My questions are:
1) I'm getting an 86 gal tomorrow, for my 2 Red Breast piranhas (1" long, at the moment). Should I move any plecos to there?

2) I've no idea what type of pleco I have, so I've attached a pic. Anyone know the type? I think they're all the same.

3) I know they grow big, but please could you tell me how big?

4) Buying them a new 200 gal tank would be nice :) but I have neither the money nor the space! Any other suggestions as to how best to deal with the situation, now I already have them?
Thanks

[mandimoron]

I'm not sure what type of pleco that is, so I can't really say how big it will get. But, unless you're already attached to them, perhaps simply bringing them back to the pet store would be the best option.

ETA: How is the lighting on that picture? It looks like the liittle dude has some neat colouration that isn't showing up clearly-- is that the case? If so, is there any chance of getting a different picture that shows his markings better? It may help in ID'ing his species.

[UncaBret]

If they are common plecs, they could easily get over 16 "
Don't know about the Pirahna, maybe you should ask on the cichlid forum?

BTW, how big are the plecs now?

[Star_Rider]

try posting the pic at planet catfish.

I'm guessing it is one of the common but it's hard to tell. the common pleco have many different color variations to them

[Holly9937]

I would say chances are good that if they were purchased at either of those stores, they are common. Besides bristlenose, any different plecos are usually a bit pricy, and not to common, at least in my area. Assuming they are commons, I would return them (*all :o ) to the store where you bought them and tell the salesperson what an idiot they are for forcing them on you !! IMO even an 86g tank is way too small for a common pleco, not to mention that they are VERY messy, which just spells out even more rigorous cleaning schedules

[jwddboy]

1st things 1st NEVER just rely on a shop attendant to tell you anything unless you REALLY trust them. They just want to sell you things! The more expensive the better! If it dies or is unhappy its not their problem.

Ok... the plec probably is just a common. This can grow BIG! Sometimes up to 18" in some circumstances. And you want to get them out of the 10gals as soon as they grow too much bigger. They should be fine with the piranah, as long as you feed the piranah well it wont attack any other fish. They are actually really nice fish and are not very agressive unless they are hungry. In which case it will attack for food. All of the plecs at that size (from what i see in the pic) should be ok in there for a bit, but i might suggest getting either one that certainly wont grow more than 10" or up to 3 that wont grow more than 4-6" when the ones you have start to grow up. (they could be worth something) Make sure you check compatability before you buy anything else and make sure you are really sure what is it and that it is healthy before you buy it.

Whats in the 55gal apart form the plecs? I suggest that if they grow over 9", sell them and get some others as they would already be getting too large and are likley to keep growing. They like to have a lot of space and caves to hide in so that will take up space too.

Need anything else? Just ask.

[csdax]

I would return them (*all :o ) to the store where you bought them and tell the salesperson what an idiot they are ...

Normally I would, at this point, be starting a major campaign to hassle WalMart into being more responsible about their fish sales. :rant2:

Unfortunately I've been suffering from depression for more than 2 years now, and taking on a big store is more than I can deal with - it would just be too stressful. :hang: Maybe someone else could take on running this campaign? As a minimum I'd suggest that they need to put notices on all their tanks specifying the amout of tank space required for each type of fish - especially the plecos. If anyone takes this on, I'd be happy to add my name to letters, petitions, etc., but I'm just not able to take them on myself, yet.

It's definitely time these stores were more responsible about the fish they sell!

[Star_Rider]

Pointing fingers is futile..

I personally feel that most wal-mart clerks are not well versed in the depts that they are scheduled to work in that day.

that being said..after spending years in retail sales "Caveat Emptor: let the buyer beware" comes to mind.

the wal-mart near me actually has POP(point of purchase) cards on the tanks..okay they are not all that accurate" but they do explain that the pleco does get over 12".(actually this may be accurate depending up which variety of 'common pleco' they sell)

you could simply check with a LFS and see if they will take the large pleco..the Petco near me took a larger 12'" pleco in and have it in a larger tank with bogwood and a few plants..it is a very impressive pleco I might add..they took it in from a customer that had it in his 55 and had no clue the pleco would get that large.


there are other choices if you really want a pleco..planet catfish has a ton of info.

good luck

[csdax]

Pointing fingers is futile..

I personally feel that most wal-mart clerks are not well versed in the depts that they are scheduled to work in that day.

that being said..after spending years in retail sales "Caveat Emptor: let the buyer beware" comes to mind. I agree - this isn't about blaming WalMart - just making them be more responsible. The problem with saying "let the buyer beware" is that most buyers (like me, when I bought my plecos) don't have a clue. Saying 'well, it's their fault for buying it' doesn't help the fish that is stuck in a 5 gal tank while the owner thinks nothing is wrong!
the wal-mart near me actually has POP(point of purchase) cards on the tanks..okay they are not all that accurate" but they do explain that the pleco does get over 12".(actually this may be accurate depending up which variety of 'common pleco' they sell) This would be a good idea for all WalMarts. Mine definitely has nothing like it - all they have on their tanks is a price!

[pophead]

your pleco is an L-001.
I think they get around 12-16 inches max.

[misscrosson]

yeah, I'm stuck with a pleco in my 70gallon... and im scared of how im going to manage him when he starts getting bigger.... :sad:

I'm trying to find a good home for him.... but, the petstore wont take him back, and I dont know much people with aquariums... I'd give him away for FREE! ... but I payed like $25 for him!

I got him because I was told he'd help to clean up my algea problem.. and all he does is hide in his cave...

[jwddboy]

and all he does is hide in his cave...

He will be out and about at night when you dont see him :) It will be easier to get rid of him earlier. Get a phone book and phone all the pet stores near you to ask if they will take him. If not you may have to get a new tank.

If you decide to get a new bigger tank your LPS should hold him for a while when you are cycling your tank.


the petstore wont take him back

How long have you had him? If not long demand a refund and give him back. They should hae told you that he was going to get too big.

[LunchBox]

the one point I'd like to make is that there are a lot more things wrong with wal-mart than their fish department.

ok now that i got that out of the way, wouldn't one of those 12-16 inchers work ok in the 86 gallon tank? seems like it would have the footprint to be more or less comfy for one. probably not more than one though.

the 10s are definitely too small. for 10s you would usually want shrimp or maybe a handful of otos (like 3) for algae.

the 55 would probably be cool for a pair of bristlenose plecos since they only get to 6" max, but that doesn't help with what to do with the ones you have. the only good idea I had that isn't something that's already been said is to see if you have a local aquarium club nearby and see if anyone would be able to take them off your hands. from my experience most LFS will know if there is a club in the area and might be able to point you in the right direction for someone to talk to.

good luck!

[jwddboy]

2 Bristlenoses in a 55" is risky. If you end up getting 2 males they do fight. At a young age it is hard to tell if they are male or female.

[LunchBox]

true they are territorial but it seems liek a 55 would give them enough personal space.... maybe just 1 then ;)

[Star_Rider]

I agree - this isn't about blaming WalMart - just making them be more responsible. The problem with saying "let the buyer beware" is that most buyers (like me, when I bought my plecos) don't have a clue. Saying 'well, it's their fault for buying it' doesn't help the fish that is stuck in a 5 gal tank while the owner thinks nothing is wrong! This would be a good idea for all WalMarts. Mine definitely has nothing like it - all they have on their tanks is a price!

I think you learned the same thing many of us learned...don't trust someone else's information..as you can see..just identifying this pleco is tough..let alone trying to make an informed suggestion regarding a pleco.(especially when the clerk doesn't have a clue about the species.)

I agree , they need to place the POP cards on the tanks at all wal-marts..atleast then they would be making a step towards supplying sort of information so the customer can get a clue..
on the upside..hey you were ble to get a clerk to help you, even tho it wasn't great help.

my problem is finding someone at the local wal-mart that can help... :help:
a lot of sales are made to people who don't have a clue..I did the same thing many years ago.
what i learned is that I need to make sure I have some dort of clue...so I can make an informed decision.

Heck i went to a reputable LFS, the main fish guy wasn't in..I noticed some fish, that I thought looked like rams..when I asked about them..the guy said.."nope, I don't think those are rams."
I decided not to get any until I found out what they were.
I researched the fish on the internet(guessing rams) and found pictures.

I came in a couple days later..convinced they were rams..and found out they were Altispinosa (Bolivian Rams)..

they should have marked the tank :D

should walmart be making suggestions on what fish you should stock?

heck yeah, make all the suggestions you want.
is it responsible on walmart clerks part to make uninformed suggestions?
I don't think that's good customer service..
But I believe Wal-mart is big on the "Caveat Emptor"

I learned, after many years in retail..to do my research..cause Wal-mart isn't that is the only retailer out there giving out bad information :thud:

[misscrosson]

hmm.. closes petstore to me is 30mins away.. only one nearby.... the rest are 4hrs away... :sad:

i've had my pleco for.... 4-5months now... so im stuck with him for awhile! he's only about 4 inches right now tho