Alternative To Plec?

[carney]

Hi

Is there an alternative to a plec

i have a community tank full of tetras and small barbs, yet all my rocks are getting discoloured etc (i cleared this problem in my big tank by getting a plec)

my community tank is 35 gallon (48x12x15)

please help

ta

 

[Truck]

go to the plecos section there is a pin on plecs under 8 inches.

 

[always4lora]

How comes you don't want a plec?

Whats discolouring it ? algae?

 

[carney]

bit cautiou really. my plec in my big tank is great amongst my cichlids, but one in a tank of tetras???
would it be ok?? grow too big, too quick??

 

[Truck]

there are hundreds of species of pleco, do some research

 

[always4lora]

Bristlenose seems to be the popular choice, doesn't grow to big, widely available and cheap. mine was about 12cm when i got it for £6 i could have had a full grown one for £10 but i fancied the smaller one for some reason.

But yeh like truckasauras123 said there tonne's of types, varying in size,tempremant , diet and cost.

 

[triskele]

Another option, depending on the size of the barbs and tetras you have, are Amano Shrimp. Have a google of them and see what you think. Bear in mind if you tank is suitable for them (i.e. specific fish you possess and conditions etc.) and you go with them that they will need very careful acclimatisation (Sp?) and that you will need to be very careful about using any medication or treatments that have copper in them.

All the best,

Triskele

 

[ahodge84]

We all have to remember, too, that not all plecs are efficient algae eaters - so I can see many reasons why the OP might want to avoid plecos.

I see that someone already mentioned some shrimp. I recall seeing some fish online the other day that also eat algae. I will see if I can find that page and post a link.

 

[Ficious]

SAEs CAEs ottos shrimp snails bns etc

 

[rdd1952]

SAEs CAEs ottos shrimp snails bns etc

I wouldn't really consider a CAE an algae eater. It's true that their name implys that but they eat very little algae when young and once the start to get a little older, they pretty much don't eat any at all. They will however try to such the slime coat off other fish, especially slow moving, flat-bodied fish. They also get pretty large for a 35 gallon tank.