I have a 55 gal aquarium with 2 african cichlids, 2 bala sharks and kissing gourami. Would it be ok to add a pleco if I find one 3+ inches. I am concerned about the salt. (about 1 Tbsp per gal) and the aggressivness of one of the cichlids.
2007-03-07 12:06:52 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
This tank has been set up with these 5 fish for 2 and 1/2 years. the algae is just starting to get crazy.
2007-03-07 14:17:38 · update #1
A pleco should be fine in the tank as long as he is large enough to to be pestered to badly. The alt should not be a concern either as plecos are very forgiving about water conditions. I completely and totaly disagree with a previous answer and would tell you that some salt has evey place in even a freshwater tank. Salt has many proven biological benefits in a freshwater aquarium.
MM
2007-03-07 12:34:26 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sure they can yet.. make certain that your pleco is about 2 cases the dimensions of your africans, and that you actually have a niche for the pleco to hide if desire be. Africans are also very territorial so it truly is a wise theory to manage any decorations you've contained in the tanks, that way easily everyone has to "start up clean" and %. new territories. this could be accomplished as a precaution even as including rather a lot something to an african tank.
2016-12-05 09:34:21 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Pleco will be fine, my bigger concern are the cichlids. African cichlids of the common variety are highly aggressive and you will probably find one will relentlessly attack the other, once they grow and mature. Go to www.cichlid-forum.com to learn about them and how to care for them properly, The Gourami may also cause problems with the cichlids after a while.
2007-03-07 13:49:35 · answer #3 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pleco, while a peacefull and aloof fish is naturally equiped to live without much danger from cichlids and most other fish species predisposed to aggression. They spend most of their lives with the only vulnerable part of their bodies(belly) tucked firmly to either the aquarium glass, driftwood or other aquarium decor. Other than that, their armor plated backs and barbed dorsal fin offer more than enough discouragement for the aggression of other fish. Your pleco should be fine.
2007-03-10 03:37:51 · answer #4 · answered by Keith R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may add a common pleco indeed. I recommend you feed your Pleco algae waffers if you don't have enough algae. Also I would add 2 pleco's so they are not lonely. You have a mish mash of fish though in your tank. Did you know that salt for fresh water fish is not recommended? It's for hospital tanks to prevent wounds from getting infections and healing purpose. You should stop adding salt to your water as the fish you keep are fresh water fishes. You may add Epsom salt for GH (hardness) increase at 1tsp per 5 gallons. African Cichlids should be kept with it's own species due to the dietary and water needs as well as the aggression they display towards one another. African Cichlids should be kept at about 5 per species in my thoughts.
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2007-03-07 12:17:24 · answer #5 · answered by zak w 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
As long as the 2 cichlids have their own territory, they shouldn't act hostile towards the other fish. The fish store owner told me that feeding blood worms to cichlids makes them aggressive that's why it's better to feed them pellets/flakes. The salt shouldn't be a problem.
2007-03-07 12:19:21 · answer #6 · answered by Star-Scream 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋