adding bristlenose plecos to 55g

k19smith

While everything I've read seems to say it should not be a problem, I was wanting experiences. I would like to add some albino bristlenose plecos to my 55g it contains guppies and cherry red shrimp. I have found where I can order 6 online, I'm not sure on adding 6.

KendraMc

my understanding is that plecos of any kind do not need to be in groups, and i'd be worried about adding more than one or two. while brittlenose plecos are a lot smaller than common plecos, they still get a few inches long.

k19smith

I was kinda under that impression myself but the internet says 3 should be fine in a 55g, I was thinking on getting the 6 because they are very small and either selling the other 3 later or adding them one of my other tanks.

KendraMc

a lot of people here say very bad things about putting a fish in a tank that they will later outgrow, and i have to imagine that goes for getting more than will fit too. but i don't know, hopefully someone with more experience will have some input for you soon.

Byron

You can find the answer to your question in our profile of this fish, click on the shaded name Bristlenose Pleco to go there. I'm not going to repeat all that, but just point out the issue of the male territories; and this fish requires algae and will settle in better if there is some common green algae [they don't eat other types] or diatoms in the tank.

k19smith

Thanks Byron, I did read the profile I was just double checking myself. The tank has been set up for about a year now, I think they will be very happy. I'm going to add some drift wood and small caves for them.

Byron

Sounds fine. I don't forsee any issues. This species does not get large, and a 4-foot tank has space and with plenty of "cave" type spots as in wood tunnels or underneath, things should be OK.

DKRST

I have three BN in my 55 currently and I could easily add more with no issues, based on their behaviors to date. The "interact", but do more posturing than actual fighting. Once they get their dominance issues sorted out, I have seen few problems. If you add them to the tank all at once, that should minimize the issue.