Bristlenose Pleco

Welsh

I hear different requirements for these fish all the time, some say they grow between 4-6 inches and that they can live in small aquariums others say they will outgrow a small tank and need something around 20+ gallons.

So basically I visited family tonight and my younger cousin had a Bristlenose Pleco in a smaller tank, its the same size as mine 6.5 UK gallons which is around 8 gallons US I think, she also had a male betta (I got her in to them ) the LFS told her it was fine to have it in a tank this size but im not so sure, surely it will outgrow the tank sooner or later right? the tank is 18 inches long and the pleco is around 2.5 inches at the moment, Any advice? I have checked the profile on here but I didn't see anything about tank sizes, maybe I missed it.

Thanks

aunt kymmie

A single bristlenose needs a minimum of 20gl, IMHO. Mine is full grown at 4". I couldn't imagine keeping her in anything less than she is now (currently a 75) as she likes to cruise and visit every inch of her tank. I think your cousin's tank is too small for this fish, but perfect for the betta.

aunt kymmie

You're right about the profile not listing tank requirements. We need to add that. Byron?

Welsh

Thats what I thought, I honestly don't know where the LFS workers get their information from, obviously it isn't this forum lol. Thanks aunt kymmie

aunt kymmie

LOL, I think alot of those LFS people just make it up as they go.

Welsh

I definately agree, going off track here but I remember when I bought my first female betta from them they told me to just put her with a male and watch them make babies, this was over 7 months ago when I was first starting ,so with reluctance I told them that there was a lot more to it than just throwing the pair together let alone genetics, i shocked a lot of people that day especially as I am naturally a very shy person lol

aunt kymmie

Good for you! Unfortunately for the large chain pet stores I'm not shy at all about making my opinions known. The boyfriend usually ends up scolding me in the parking lot for being such a know-it-all.
Someone has to educate them, right? LOL

Welsh

Exactly! my ex boyfriend worked in a fish store and patronised me about what to feed them, how many times a week and also how to clean the tank etc, I knew all that already but what shocked me the most is that when I unveiled my male and my sorority to him he said throw them all in together atleast you'll get babies, thankfully I knew better

jeaninel

I remember reading somewhere that there are a few different species of Bristlenose (Ancistrus). They can range in size, some growing a bit larger than others. I've had my Albino for quite a while now and she is still only about 3". I'll have to see if I can find that site again.

1077

In my view, A healthy well fed adult Bristlenose,,, would make regualr water changes critical in anything less than 30 gallon tank by itself.
Juveniles would do fine in smaller tank for a few months assuming regular maint (weekly water changes) ,for they aren't a particularly fast growing fish ,but even small Bristlenose ,,are capable of producing as much waste as four or five tetras in a days time.