pleco

[butterfly_koi]

What is a good size tank for a common pleco? I've heard 40, 55, and 65. When I get my new tank up and running I want to make sure I have enough room for him to swim freely without restrictions

 

[calfishguy]

55 ABSOLUTE MINIMUM IMO. Anything smaller and it's like a Betta in a jar.

 

[Freakgecko91]

I've always read a125 minimum to be honest...
Why not get a clown, bristlenose, or even mango pleco instead?

 

[absolutangel04]

Personally, I say 125g. A 55g is way too narrow for a full grown pleco to turn well IME.

 

[butterfly_koi]

My tank is a 75 gallon is that going to be too small?

 

[Freakgecko91]

For a common, yes. Mind you that these fish grow 18+ inches, and can become quite territorial! They are catfish after all like I said, I'd look into smaller species, as there are several hundred species of pleco

 

[calfishguy]

My tank is a 75 gallon is that going to be too small?

IMO that should be ok but others will most likely disagree.

 

[Freakgecko91]

IMO that should be ok but others will most likely disagree.

The problem is stunting growth. Basically, the body stops growing, but the organs continue to grow. It's a nasty thing to think about, let alone put a living organism through. Plecos seem to be prone to this as well due to their hard armor shell

 

[butterfly_koi]

For a common, yes. Mind you that these fish grow 18+ inches, and can become quite territorial! They are catfish after all like I said, I'd look into smaller species, as there are several hundred species of pleco

How fast do they grow

 

[Freakgecko91]

Quite fast. And that's beyond he fact. Be prepared for his entire life, not just as long as your tank will hold him

 

[butterfly_koi]

Quite fast. And that's beyond he fact. Be prepared for his entire life, not just as long as your tank will hold him

This I totally agree with! I thought that the 75 would be enough though I guess I'll have to rehome him. I would love to keep him but something tells me that my husband might drop a brick if I bought that big of a tank.

 

[TenaciousTriggerFish]

This I totally agree with! I thought that the 75 would be enough though I guess I'll have to rehome him. I would love to keep him but something tells me that my husband might drop a brick if I bought that big of a tank.

Just trying to lighten the mood... Warn him bout dropping bricks in/near aquariums.... Glass plus rocks dont mix lol v

 

[Freakgecko91]

Like I said, there are tons of other, much cooler pleco species! I love my clown pleco, but they're rather small for a 75 lol look into royals, they MAYwork in your setup, but can be somewhat costly

 

[butterfly_koi]

Like I said, there are tons of other, much cooler pleco species! I love my clown pleco, but they're rather small for a 75 lol look into royals, they MAYwork in your setup, but can be somewhat costly

I have always liked the blue phantom pleco but I'm only finding it online for $75 is that a normal rate for them? I want a large pleco but not too large as I want it to live comfortably in a 75 gallon

 

[Freakgecko91]

Yeah, that's a normal price, but those are awesome looking! A Lfs near me breeds plecos and online pics aren't always the best, always nice to see them in person

 

[Freakgecko91]

After some research, a blue phantom pleco would be a great candidate for your aquarium! Max out at 7 inches, so not too big and not too small! I'd say pick a species under or at 10 inches full grown
$40 on thatpetplace.com, although I'm unaware if they're reliable to order from or not. I've never ordered online

 

[butterfly_koi]

Yeah, that's a normal price, but those are awesome looking! A Lfs near me breeds plecos and online pics aren't always the best, always nice to see them in person

I think I would give up an arm to have a zebra pleco but if I paid that much for a fish my husband would come arrest me himself for having mental instability lol. My limit is $20 for a fish and I think that if I'm going to have one large fish in my tank I want it to be a pleco