Plecos

[eat1432]

I just got a pleco yesturday for my 2 gallon aqauarium. Does he need an airilator or not, beacuse the airilator I have now is too strong for my bettas in the tank.

 

[Teelie]

A 2 gallon is nowhere near large enough to house a pleco. Think of adding another 53 gallons if what you have is a common or sailfin. A betta tank doesn't need an algae eater either. I would suggest taking the pleco back.

 

[kyle3]

please return the plecco until you have a larger tank that is cycled and ready for him with plenty of algae to hold him over until you can get him to eat veggies.

 

[Dangerdoll]

If it's a common (most likely), I would suggest 73 more gallons. These guys can be a little tight in a 55 gallon. They also need adequate filtration and yes, aeration as they are huge waste-mongers who will foul up the water rather quickly.

 

[Galaxie]

My 2.5 year old common pleco is 12-inches long now. He has a 37 gallon all to himself (except for 4 flagfish). Its barely big enough....but.... he isn't in constant motion like most other fish so the 37 g seems to be working well.

(Those flagfish just love munching algae!)

 

[Teelie]

A 100 would really be ideal but a 55 is IMO a minimum. They can grow upwards of 16" and Sailfins can get to twice that.

 

[budrecki]

My 2.5 year old common pleco is 12-inches long now. He has a 37 gallon all to himself (except for 4 flagfish). Its barely big enough....but.... he isn't in constant motion like most other fish so the 37 g seems to be working well

Your pleco may be stunted. My Rufus is not yet 2 yrs, and is 16+ inches at last measure. He started in a 35g, then 55, now 180.

 

[Lobo.]

the pl*co, return... they are cool fish, but get very big...

to help the betta, buy a bunch of plants, some for the bottom, and some floating, id get some anubias for the bottom, and some indian fern for the top, this way you wont need much light to keep the plants going... bettas like lots of plants to hide in and make bubble nests, and it cuts on water movement... also, if there is no filter (you can buy a microfilter for one that small) then make shure you change about 1/2 of the water per week, if the betta seems sick, or its fins look ragged, then change the water again...

good luck!

 

[Galaxie]

Your pleco may be stunted. My Rufus is not yet 2 yrs, and is 16+ inches at last measure. He started in a 35g, then 55, now 180.

Could be. He's fat and healthy now though. I'd like to have all my fish in a 180, but gotta deal with those pesky things like: 2nd floor 1 bdrm condo and a budget.

 

[budrecki]

Could be. He's fat and healthy now though. I'd like to have all my fish in a 180, but gotta deal with those pesky things like: 2nd floor 1 bdrm condo and a budget.

Not a judgment, just a suggestion. If you cannot properly accommodate a fish, don't bring it home. Lack of resources is not a justification for mistreating an animal.

If I couldn't afford to keep fish, I wouldn't have 3 cats.