which would be better for a pleco sand or gravel?

Question

i plan on getting a pleco right now i have sand in my tank would gravel or sand be better and i know you dont have to tell me i know plecos can get very big up to 1 or 2 feet

Answer 1

Not all plecos get that big - rubberlips and bushynoseds only get 4-5 inches and would be suitable for 30 gallon tanks.

Gravel is much better for plecos, because they can suck on the rocks, which they can't do with sand. However, with sufficient rockwork and driftwood, you can go with sand.

Answer 2

Actually only common pleco's get that large. There are many species of pleco's that don't get more than 5-6 inches.

In either case they will do better with gravel. You should also get some driftwood in the tank and a few larger hiding spaces.

Answer 3

The reason you are getting both answers is because it really makes no difference to the fish, the choice is yours. Sand will not harm plecos, I don't know where that is coming from.

I always go with sand because I have good water circulation, and since waste can't sink into sand it just floats until it's sucked up by a filter, where it can be easily disposed of - very little vacuuming necessary for me. I think sand also looks much more natural, but that's just a matter of opinion anyway.

Answer 4

Not all plecos get that big. It depends on what you have. I have a species of bulldog pleco that only gets to 2.5 inches. Sand is the best substrate, and make sure to have some driftwood and large smooth round river rocks.

Answer 5

gravel is better. it is hard for them to spit out the sand.

Answer 6

I would DEFINETLY go with gravel. the plec. might suck some of the sand into his body and get sick... be sake...go with gravel...

Answer 7

gravel