Looking for a bottom dweller

[StereoKills]

I'm looking to get a bottom dweller for my 55g. The head of the fish department in my store suggested a [SIZE=-1]Synodontis eupterus (Featherfin Catfish). Current inhabitants are Tiger Barbs, Buenos Aires Tetras and Bleeding Heart Tetras. From what I've been reading however, Synodontis don't really belong in anything other than a cichlid tank. I'd been wanting to get a Pleco, but the only ones available within an hour drive or so are Commons and I know my tank won't support those beasts for very long. I'd love to hear suggestions for good bottom dwellers or comments on whether a Syno would be ok.
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[Sploke]

I believe there are a few other species of synos that stay smaller than the eupterus, which might be better suited to a 55. I can't comment on them, as I've never had any of the species. Cories are always an option, and there are some great loach species that will do well in a 55, such as a nice group of Y. sidthimunki, B. striata, Y. morleti, or A. botia.

 

[briggadane]

If you really want a pleco other than a "common",get it now. Brazil has stopped the export of many of its species. They may get very expensive. I would suggest something tank raised thou. Wild varieties are for a more experienced person. Wilds can be picky, finicky, parasite ridden, etc.

Specifically, try for a royal. The L27 is/going to be one of the affected species. They would stay small enough for a 55G too.

 

[Lupin]

Tiger barbs and Buenos Aires tetras are fine to be mixed with the Yasuhikotakia morleti and a few other aggressive loach species. Bleeding hearts however will end up having tattered fins with those aggressive loaches.

B. almorhae, Y. sidthimunki and B. striata are fine with all three of those barbs and tetras. So does the Synodontis eupterus provided the tiger barbs and Buenos Aires do not rip their fins first.

 

[toddnbecka]

Why do you think S. eupterus would be a problem? They aren't aggressive toward smaller fish IME. They work well w/cichlids because cichlids don't generally see them as a threat, not because they're aggressive.
If you would prefer a group of smaller fish, botia's or Corydoras cats would be more visible during the day. Syno's are mainly active at night, aside from feeding time.

 

[StereoKills]

I was actually looking for something that will get big, but not outgrow the 55g. I really had my heart set on getting a pleco, but all of the ones available in lfs are common and will quickly get too big.

 

[soobie]

Cories! Lots and lots of cories. But then, I like little fish.

 

[Kaluden]

I am partial to the Royal Farlowella personally, I havent gotten one yet, but Oh I will. They get approx. 8" they are kind of a long slender fish though, love their fins. I have also heard them referred to as "whiptail cats"

 

[Lupin]

I am partial to the Royal Farlowella personally, I havent gotten one yet, but Oh I will. They get approx. 8" they are kind of a long slender fish though, love their fins. I have also heard them referred to as "whiptail cats"

Whiptail catfish, slender pleco or twig catfish.

 

[toddnbecka]

There are usually at least a few suitable pleco's available from online sellers. Just do the research first to make sure they're suitable for your water conditions, and don't forget to take dietary requirements into account.