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Need help on choosing a Pleco

4K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  Lupin 
#1 ·
Hi all,

I have a 40 gallon tall Hex tank with 1 Angelfish, 6 green cories, and 6 lemon tetras. Fake plants, some rocks, etc. I have had this tank for over a year andy everyone is happy. I have been getting quite a bit of algae build up on the glass, so I would like to get a Pleco for it. Any thoughts on a Pleco that is compatible with these other fish and obviously cannot get too big, maybe 3-4 inches, unless you think a larger one would fit.

Thanks in advance

Hanson
 
#2 ·
I just looked on liveaquaria.com, under plecos and there are many to choose from that stay around 4-6", Tha starry night pleco reaches 4" max. MY fav's are the gold nugget and peppermint.The onlt thing to remember when keeping a special pleco is feeding it zucchini or other vegetation and they appreciate a piece of slate. Take a look at the site.
 
#3 ·
Not to be contradictory but a pleco would appreciate a piece of driftwood rather than a piece of slate ;-) . Munching on driftwood helps their digestion.
Bristlenose plecs are also a good choice as they stay small and will consume algae even into adulthood.
 
#4 ·
Thanks to both of you for the responses. I was thinking that the Bristlenose would be the best choice after doing a little research. It did seem like they stay small and they love algae! Do these guys eat off the glass? I know a lot of Plecos stay to the bottom and feed and I have the Cories for that. Just want to make sure I get something that will help with the side algae as well.

Again thanks for your help

Hanson
 
#5 ·
My bristlenose is "scraping" the glass all the time. I was supplementing his diet with spinach but I stopped doing that when I realized he preferred that over algae. If for some reason I become algae-less (like that will ever happen?? lol) I'll start supplementing his diet again. Now I just give him the spinach as a "treat" and he's happy with his driftwood & algae. I don't often see mine on the floor of the tank so that would lead me to believe one would be fine with your Cories.
Bristles are great cleaners....good choice!
 
#7 ·
I was also going to suggest a bristlenose. I also have a clown pleco but he's not quite as enthusiastic about eating algae and is *much* more lethargic. He pretty much stays in one area all day, whereas I see the bristlenose cruising about munching on algae and driftwood all day.
 
#9 ·
+1 on Bristlenose or ABN, they are pretty friendly
 
#11 ·
Lots of choice:
Sturisoma panamense
Rineloricaria parva
Panaque maccus
L010a
Ancistrus sp.
Queen arabesque
King tiger
 
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