I want a Plecostomus, but my dad says that it will grow too big for my 10 gallon tank. I have a tank filled with fresh water fancy guppies. My question is are there any types of Plecostomus that stay small that will be compadable with my tank?
2007-09-17 09:13:05 · 10 answers · asked by Charlotte 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
As the others here have already said, most of the smaller plecos will still get around 5" as adults, but consider getting otocinclus catfish instead. These only get around 1 1/2 - 2 inches long, and are algae eaters, similar to plecos: http://www.fishlore.com/profiles_otocinclus.htm
These should also be kept in small schools of 3 or more, and should only be added after your tank has been running for about 6 months.
2007-09-17 09:37:45 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES, and actually, Plecostomus are an option, but you can go another route.
Freshwater snails are good, they are about the size of your thumbnail and can grow larger, but they do not grow nearly the size of a plecostomus. They cost the same, but you may need two to be able to cover the whole tank and eat the algae growth.
And if you want a plecostomus, get a clown plecostomus, they only grow to a length of 4 or 5 inches and you can find them at any aquarium. Other plecos, like the common pleco, can grow to a foot long. Those at full size are better suited for ponds. That's the one your dad is talking about.
Your tank is small, so one pleco or two snails is enough. If you get a snail, don't buy any platys (similar to goldfish in appearance, but smaller, and more bright orange with black sometimes), because they are notorious for pecking at snails until they fall off the wall.
*Never add the aquarium's water too your tank.
2007-09-17 09:30:14 · answer #2 · answered by gregthedesigner 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like your dad is smart. No, there are no plecos that would be compatible in a 10 gallon tank. For a 10 gallon tank, especially with other fish, you cannot put a pleco in there. Even with no other fish, even the smallest pleco requires a tank larger than 10 gallons. The smallest plecos grow to around 4 inches in length and require 30 gallons of water per pleco even at that size. Chinese algae eaters can grow to 10 inches in length and also require 30 gallons of water per fish. Cories are small, yes, but they need to school in odd numbers, so you would need at least 3 and at that amount, you could only have maybe 5 guppies. If you want a bottom feeder because you think you won't have to clean as often, this is wrong. You should choose bottom feeders because you like their look. Bottom feeders add to the bioload, but don't eat enough of the algae and leftover food to make up for their extra bioload. And, don't be misled into thinking that they eat poop, because they don't. Also, I would suggest rethinking guppies. They are live bearers, reproduce faster than rabbits because one female doesn't need a male in the tank to have babies. She carries the sperm for 6 months or more after the last insemination. If you get guppies, choose all males. Do not get any females or you will find yourself with more fish than you know what to do with.
2007-09-17 09:21:06 · answer #3 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
not really for a ten gallon, but BN bushy nose plecos as i call them are probably one of the smaller plecos.
Plecos are referred to as L numbers, ex. L-18 is a golden nugget pleco.
If you went to the petstore, you probably have a common pleco which will grow to about 24 inches. So it will get to large for a 10 gallon,
look into bushy nose plecos.
2007-09-17 09:59:56 · answer #4 · answered by Coral Reef Forum 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your father is right. It would get really big. you might be better off getting otocinclus catfishes because they only grow to about 2-3 inches long.
2007-09-23 05:19:59 · answer #5 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
feels like a clown plecostomus. in case you get one confirm you have have been given driftwood in the tank, they seem to be a toothed species and require driftwood as component to their nutrition regimen. If i'm top(ninety% particular yet there ARE numerous hundred species), while he hangs on the the glass you will desire to have the capability to make certain the enamel, there will be a tiny pair that it makes use of to scrape the wood with.
2016-12-26 15:32:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
instead of plecos try otto cats they will stay under 2 inches and are great for small tanks
2007-09-17 10:00:37 · answer #7 · answered by dAmIAnOO 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they will grow to be a big size. i would try a chinese algea eater. also how many guppies do you have in the tank, if you have 1-6 you can get 1 chinese algea eater. if you have 7-9, get a couple of cory cats.
2007-09-17 09:21:35 · answer #8 · answered by Ashley H 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The rubberlip, rubbernose, and otocinclus plecos stay pretty small.
2007-09-24 13:11:46 · answer #9 · answered by AZ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont remember wat its called oto somethin... but they only grow to 1-2 inches. ask a your pet store. they will realy help with the algae.
2007-09-24 08:51:39 · answer #10 · answered by Crystal l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋