Should I Take the Pleco or not?

Brody3665

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Jun 16, 2005
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I have a recently started tank 65 gallon, with danios, sharks, tetras and barbs. I was offered a large (at least 10 inch) pleco for free from a relative and don't know if I should accept or not. I know that it will make the tank look kinda funny (small fish + 1 giant fish) but other than that does anybody have any other pros or cons..

I'm kinda leaning on not taking but don't want to miss out if I am just being too cautious...



Thanks

Scott
 
Brody3665 said:
I have a recently started tank 65 gallon, with danios, sharks, tetras and barbs. I was offered a large (at least 10 inch) pleco for free from a relative and don't know if I should accept or not. I know that it will make the tank look kinda funny (small fish + 1 giant fish) but other than that does anybody have any other pros or cons..

I'm kinda leaning on not taking but don't want to miss out if I am just being too cautious...



Thanks

Scott

I have two Pl*cos in my tank and they just hide all day. They only come out at night. I'm thinking of getting rid of them because they are the one of the most boring fish species I've seen in a while. My advice would be to skip them.
 
What's the reason for the giving of the pleco? Is it because he's in a small tank now? If that is the case, I would take him. A 65 is probably the minimum a pleco would need though...
 
Plecos can get to 15", and I've heard that wild ones get over 20"! So if you take it be prepared for a fish that may still grow. And as Jaguarundi said they are indeed shy, and hate the light.

Jaguarundi- have you ever seen a jaguarundi?
 
If you will be giving him a better home, go for it. Pleco won't do anything to your little fish that I know of. You've got 65 gal, should be sufficent just for 1 pleco. Its cool to have one "gigantic" fish.
 
yeah the reason he is giving him up is because the pleco is currently in a 55 gallon and its getting to small for him.

If I do take him will a large fish screw up the chemistry of the tank (nitrite,trate and ammonia).
 
I would think it would, especially with a pleco.... their load is a heavy one. Is there a chance they could bring the pleco to a store or something? Offer it in the Want Ads?
 
It shouldn't be too bad since you're only getting one fish but I know its a "poop" machine as some people like to call it. If you do notice that ammonia is rising, do water changes as often as you can until it gets back under control. I wouldnt worry about the chemistry screwing up so much. It'll be ok as long you do waterchange as necessary.
 
Ok I think I will give it a try, I guess I should plan on having the pleco kinda reorganizing the tank like godzilla...:)
 
COOL! Let us know how that goes for you. You can expect for the pleco to move things. I've never had a pleco of that size. Post some picture if you can. When are you getting the Pleco?
 
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