What to do with bottom dwellers?

[waldo12]

Hey everyone

So right now, we've got 2 adult BN plecos (1M 1F), 7 adult Corydoras schultzei/aeneus, and one 10" Sailfin Pleco as our bottom feeders in a 5' 120 gallon along with a bunch of young angels (hoping for a pair to form) and a school of congo tetras. Whenever the Sailfin swims, plants are uprooted, and the substrate is a mess. Plus he craps 24/7 as well, which makes the whole disturbing the substrate thing even worse, as it flies all over the place. And when he gets to max size, I bet he'll be able to knock over heavy decor. So I'm thinking of selling/trading him for something (should I?). Problem is, the whole family loves that pleco. Who wouldn't?:

So I guess I need to convince them somehow. Ignoring that, I really want some Synodontis nigriventris/upside down cats. They just seem really great, and I think our tank fits them, there's a lot of driftwood 'roofs' and hiding spots. I'm thinking about getting 8 or something around that. If I do that, should I take out the cories and/or BN's (in fear of overstocking)?

EDIT:
Oh BTW how much do you think he's worth?

 

[fishycat]

He's beautiful - if you have the space, give him his own tank?

You'll never see the upside down catfish, maybe during feedings & cleanings (then again my experience was when I had only one). I'd think the cories are just more visible & interactive (I'm biased, I love cories!)...

 

[waldo12]

Yeah that would be the dream Reaaally long tank with sand and just tons of driftwood, just him, and an oscar or something. But there's just not enough space. And if I go in the cory direction, which species? And how many? My schultzei's are around 2-3 years old, and are much less active than they used to be. I'd still prefer the syno, but if they hide all day then I guess I'll go with the cories.

 

[fishycat]

Well, the upside-down catfish are nocturnal, so if you have moon lights you could see them when they're active!

Peppered/paleatus cories will give you the same mottled look... Yes, cories do tend to "calm down" as they mature. These & Aeneus seem to be the most active and best suited for your tank. (although 50+ habrosus cories sounds so awesome! :drool

 

[kelly82]

hoplos, i adore my port hoplo catfish, they are active constantly through the day, come to the front of the tank and the surface for feeding, and a nice size at around 6". i just wish i found them years ago :woot: for larger tanks, il never look at cories again!

 

[waldo12]

Well, the upside-down catfish are nocturnal, so if you have moon lights you could see them when they're active!

Peppered/paleatus cories will give you the same mottled look... Yes, cories do tend to "calm down" as they mature. These & Aeneus seem to be the most active and best suited for your tank. (although 50+ habrosus cories sounds so awesome! :drool

I think my temperature in the tank (26-27 C) won't be so suitable for peppered cats, whose preffered temp is around 22-24 (?)

hoplos, i adore my port hoplo catfish, they are active constantly through the day, come to the front of the tank and the surface for feeding, and a nice size at around 6". i just wish i found them years ago for larger tanks, il never look at cories again!

What a coincidence I went by a LFS today to check out possibilities for the same issue and saw these in there I'll show the parents, see what they think.

 

[fishorama]

Your plec is very nice, great pic. All plecs are poo machines even otos for their size LOL. Prices are always iffy with fish that need a big tank. Does you lfs take trades? They won't give you more than a third to half what they think they can get but it may be easier than trying to find someone with a big enough tank on CL. It takes the personal out of finding him a "good" home.

I've always wanted to try hoplos, I hardly ever see them these days.

 

[MChorse13]

well you could just ship them to me
or you could use those little plant pots to hold them. then if they are uprooted u se push the pot back into the substrate. but im not sure if this will work i don't have any planted tanks yet

 

[fishycat]

hoplos, i adore my port hoplo catfish, they are active constantly through the day, come to the front of the tank and the surface for feeding, and a nice size at around 6". i just wish i found them years ago :woot: for larger tanks, il never look at cories again!

Wow, bubblenesting catfish! Neat-o. :thm:

 

[waldo12]

:angryfire: Still haven't convinced the parents...

Anyway, here's my options (once I convince my parents)

-Get rid of Sailfin, add some cories
-Get rid of Sailfin & Cories, add 4-6 hoplo catfish
-Get rid of Sailfin & Cories, add 3-4 SAE
-Keep the Sailfin & get rid of BN & Cories
-Open to any other suggestions

What do you guys think I should do?