Can I put an algae eater (Pleco or Pictus) with Comets, in my non-heated 33 gallon tank?

Question

Only answer this if you work in a fish store...Thanks

Answer 1

What type of pleco do you have?

Most plecos can survive in colder water, and it should work fine.

A common pleco will outgrow a 33 gallon aquarium in about a year, so keep in mind you may have to upgrade.

I suggest getting a clown pleco as they will not outgrow your tank and have "armor" on their bodies, so they wont be picked at.

Answer 2

I wouldn't recommend a pleco in a gold fish tank. Goldfish tend to be very high ammonia creating fish, and unless you do frequent water changes chances are you might have a higher ammonia count then a pleco would tolerate. Plecos are also from south america in warm water. They are raised in 78-82 degrees. You could try to acclimate them to a colder tank, but if you go much below 72 they will probably be highly stressed. (high stressed fish get ick) I've acclimated some to high ph tanks, and to cooler tanks, but never recommend any tropical fish with goldfish. You could try apple snails, or other types of snails. If you keep your lights on your tank off during the day, and only have them on at night while your up, you will reduce algae growth in the tank. You can also keep the shades pulled so theres not alot of direct and indirect sunlight in the room the aquarium is in.
.

Answer 3

It depends on the temp of your house for one. If your house stays a pretty constant temp. and doesn't go below 74 degrees, then they will not get too cold. That said, you cannot have temp. fluctuations going on, that will stress all the fish and set them up for disease.
A pleco will also get BIG. He will eventually outgrow that 33 gallon..if you must get a pleco, get one of the dwarf varieties. And be aware that they eat mostly algae when they are juveniles, but need supplements to that more and more the older they get, such as sinking tabs and shrimp pellets.
The pictus cats are NOT algae eaters, although they do eat off of the bottom. They require a higher salt content to be happy, even thriving in brackish water. They need a varied diet of sinking food ( frozen brine, bloodworms, pellets, etc)
HTH

Answer 4

Differnt pleco have differnt needs. Some get huge and need 70 gallons. They need water probably atleast 75 degrees. I think the goldfish would most likely kill a pleco.

Answer 5

of course you can