Alternative to a pleco

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lilcam

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Jul 17, 2004
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Looking for a bottom feeder for my new 20g tank. I'm adding a couple of cichlid and the bottom is a sand not gravel. I want to try something different, but if i have to get a pleco, I will

I have a pleco in my other tank but that has gravel.
 
No tank 'must' have a pleco. There are a number of good bottom feeder options, but some won't work with aggressive fish, like some cichlids. There are a variety of loaches that may work--kuhli's, yo-yos, and skunks are some favorites of mine that all stay small. Skunks and yo-yo's can be aggressive though--and may nip fins. Kuhli's are peaceful, but look too much like a small worm to keep with some aggressive, large fish.
 
What cichlids are you adding? Why do you need a bottom feeder? Very few do much to keep tanks clean but do offer something different to look at.
 
i read on a couple of sites that a bottomfeeder will be good for cleaning the bottom of the tank. Leftover food and what not. Will cories be able to live with my 2 texas cichlid?
 
Bottom feeders need their own food, generally sinkign pellets. SO all you are doing is adding more food. Cories might be okay is there was lots of cover and plants for them to hide in. But they are pretty docile and an aggressive cichlid would probably drive them nuts.

Feeding only the amoutn of the cichlids will eat and using a gravel vac (I know you have sand) will keep your tank the cleanest.
 
We have several Texas's at work and they are still juvies (the largest female is only 3") and ALL of them endlessly harass the pleco in the tank. We don't keep any plecos with them now, so I don't think most other catfish will work. If so you will have to get one with body armor (Plecos, Cories, and Spotted and Striped Raphaels) are the primary ones that have armor (Raphael's don't eat algae or anything like that though). A 20 is also pretty small to add other fish to the tank with 2 Texas's already residing. Just my opinion though. Hope this helps and good luck.
 
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