pleco in planted tank

[Alkane]

I totally agree. I would never go out and buy a pleco because I had an algae issue, but I would buy a pleco to aid in algae control. Every tank should have some algae, and inhabitants to feed on it.

On the other side if your tank had no algae the pleco may not be getting a balanced diet. Depending on the species*

[Matthew187]

Im didnt get them for algae control i just think they are really cool looking fish. So dont care if they eat any algae at all.

[Alkane]

Yah think they were jumping on me, but I was just saying the bristlenose is going to eat algae the clown probably isn't.

I have freshwater muscles that filter the water, but I don't use them as a filter. Not making any general false statements that all plecos eat algae. Or that they should be bought merely to control algae.

Sorry Matt didn't mean to hijack your post, just trying to clarify my statements.

Hope you can find one you like

[Coursair]

Pitbull Plecos are an awesome small plant safe Pleco !!

I would find homes for your two Commons now before they die or become stunted from trying to live in a 10g.

Big fish need big tanks even as babies so they can GROW healthy and strong

Commons are poop machines and need large tanks or a pond and need large filtration. They can live into their 20s.

You'll have to decide if you want to dedicate a huge tank for your Plecos. Plus as they grow, they may get territorial.

I like to give them wood and veggies. Zucchini, Cucumber, quality Algae wafers, etc... Feed them, don't assume all they need is algae on the walls.

I understand about wanting to see the fish before you buy it, but since Petco has a guarantee, ask ; if you order online, can you return to store ? IF the fish is sick or you don't like it.

Or check this site or The Planted Tank OR see if you have a local Aquarium or Fish Club ????

I went to a club meet and auction Saturday and Bristlenose Plecos Long Fin, Short Fin, Albino, Blue Eyed...all went for about $2-3 a fish, very cheap !

[ryan-peddle]

Originally Posted by Alkane

please explain why buying a pleco to aid in algae control is a mistake?

And they produce way more mess then they clean

[Philly33]

Pitbull Plecos are the way to go. Even look into the Panda Garra Loach, very cool.

[KaylNeko]

I'll 3rd pitbull plecs--I'm getting 3 for my 55 gallon. Neat little plecos.

[Discusapisto]

I have L-104 and L-162 clown pleco's and they look great in my planted tanks and don't bother my plants. I have no algae in my tanks for them to eat so I pay careful attention to their feeding although they are from the wood pleco family and don't really care about it anyways or to a minimal amount. Also I have chocolate zebra pleco's L-270 and they again look great and leave my plants alone but are higher priced than most pleco's. Also from the wood pleco family which prefer more protein based foods than algaes. So pay attention to their feeding. I agree with everyone though don't use fish to control algae figure out what's causing it and take the proper steps to correct it. The fish just help while your away buying more

[Ziggs180]

I actually purchased my Albino Bristlenose pleco at Petco for 2$. He works pretty well in my tank, hes usually grazing algae off my plants and the walls. I've seen some places try and charge Albino BN's for ridicilous amounts (a LFS had some for 30$).

[Saltair]

I had a Clown in my 29g planted. He looked cool and didn't touch the plants. He just lived under his log and NEVER came out. He did make an unbelievable mess under there. I finally took him to a LFS and traded him for a couple Oto's. Less bioload and I can actually watch them.