plecos & heaters? (please help!)

cellodaisy

cellodaisy

AC Members
Jan 11, 2009
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Cincinnati OH 45219
meganstrickland.com
I just got my first plecos (a group of L204s which I absolutely love, pics here: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224414).

I remembered seeing a few reports of plecos burning themselves on heaters, so I positioned mine horizontally, halfway up the tank wall, thinking they'd leave it alone. However, I just caught one wedging himself under it. I shooed him away and he seems fine, but do I need to be concerned about this? If so, what can I do about it?

Advice greatly appreciated! Thank you!
 
I've kept BN plecos, and a lot of other plecos, in 65-80 degree water and don't ever think they were burned by a heater. Sometimes they're on the heater without any problems. I wouldn't be concerned.
 
I have done some searching elsewhere, but there doesn't seem to be a consensus. Some say that heaters guards are essential because catfish can't feel the pain of burning (which seems like a pretty questionable statement to me), and others say it has never been an issue for them. Hoping to get insight from the wonderful folks on AC.

Thank you for chiming in, Rjb3!
 
My big guy sometimes sits on it or between it and the glass, he's always fine. Had other fish relaxing on/near it too. I would think they would realize it's too hot and move or at the very least learn after they burn themselves.
 
I raise bristlenose pleco fry and they're all in tanks with heaters. Yes they suck on the heater quite a bit but as soon as the heater kicks on they swim off. I've never has a pleco loss from a heater that I'm aware of.
 
I have quite a few tanks, 10, in various sizes and I love Plecos also. I have around 30 or so 4 over 15 inch's . I have raised fish for over 15 years and have never had a fish burnt, pleco or otherwise. I think you are safe.
 
BOLTSFAN said:
I have quite a few tanks, 10, in various sizes and I love Plecos also. I have around 30 or so 4 over 15 inch's . I have raised fish for over 15 years and have never had a fish burnt, pleco or otherwise. I think you are safe.
Click to expand...

You have a picture of these big Plecos?
 
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