I have a 55 gallon tropical community tank. My Pleco sucker fish got HUGE! But all he does is stay in one of the ornaments. So, I want to transfer him to my 40 gallon tank with 2 goldfish to get to work in there. Both have filters, heaters and I do 20% water changes frequently. Will he be stressed or have any problems if I occassionally switch him from the two tanks?Thanks!
2007-08-23 12:33:33 · 6 answers · asked by JeannieGirl 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
thanks for the answers! I think I will eventually move him back to the community tank for good in a while. He is a big sucker. And to answer the question about my goldfish, the temp is at 68 degrees. Thanks guys!
2007-08-23 12:59:01 · update #1
He should be fine as long as the temperature and water parameters are about the same in the two tanks. If not than I would acclimate him to the other tank slowly by putting him in a bag or bucket with water from the tank he was in, and slowly add water from the other tank until the ratio is about 50/50 of water from both tanks. This should take about a half hour as you add a little bit every few minutes or so. Then you can release him into the other tank. I would try not to do this often as it can be stressful, but if the water parameters are the same it will not be so hard on him.
2007-08-23 12:40:43 · answer #1 · answered by Ash 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi Jeanette, You are probably going to do more harm than good by putting your Pleco in with your Goldfish. Their 40 gallon tank sounds fine with just them in it, the Pleco will simply add more bio-load to the filter possibly causing the tank to partially recycle.
You are also running the risk of your Pleco getting a taste for the slime coats of your Goldfish-because he is nocturnal the damage he may do to them will not be readily apparent because both you & your Goldies will be asleep while it is taking place. You may only notice it when they start to get red or black marks all over them.
I would suggest you leave him where he is-if he stays in one place he is probably comfortable there so why change things? Moving fish back & forth for no good reason will only cause stress which in turn could cause you more problems with illness etc-If it ain't broke don't fix it.
2007-08-23 13:28:17 · answer #2 · answered by John 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Moving is always stressful.. I'd recommend getting a new one for the 2nd tank. Bear in mind, common plecs (depending on variety) can get 12 - 18 inches long. Fancier plecs are usually smaller.
A 12 inch plec should be in at least a 2 1/2 foot tank, and 18 inch plecs in a 3.
If you want to move him back and forth, I'd say no more than every 6 months.. and be aware he may die.
2007-08-23 12:40:59 · answer #3 · answered by ratlover_littlemonster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't do it more than once a month. Moving fish excessively is very stressful. If you only have your Pleco to clean your tanks, I would suggest you give him away. Plecos are generally very lazy and would prefer flake food over sucking on algae all day. Email me if you have any questions.
Nosoop4u
2007-08-23 12:42:21 · answer #4 · answered by nosoop4u246 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, your plec. won't get too stressed out. But, what temperature do you keep your goldfish tank? Normally, they like cooler water, so your really don't even need a heater.
2007-08-23 12:44:06 · answer #5 · answered by ReptileHatchery.com 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you put it in with those dirty goldfish dont put it back in the tropical community tank.
I would just leave it were its at.
2007-08-23 12:56:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋