Bristlenose pleco question

[cowgirluntamed]

Ok, so I have a young bristlenose pleco in a ten gallon by herself at the moment. (Had two but lost one to parasites.) This is a quarantine/grow out tank. Not a permanent home. Anyway, i have been slowly working on a 50-55 gallon tank but it still might take some time. Last measurement that I could get of her was just under 1 1/2 inches. How long is it safe for her to stay in this tank? I have a 20 gallon I can move her to but wasn't really wanting to move her until the big one was ready. But that still might take a couple months. And again, she's the only one in this tank too.

 

[NickAu]

A few months at most IMO, just make sure you keep the substrate and water clean as you know young BN's do 2 things eat and poop.

 

[cowgirluntamed]

You mean a few months more or only a few months? I've had her since she was just under an inch. I just didn't want to stress her from moving different tanks but I don't want problems with her growth either. And yes, she is messy! Due for a water change tomorrow!

 

[NickAu]

2 months more should be fine

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Thanks Nick!

 

[Byron]

This is a situation where you could manage it very well even permanently. Bristlenose remain under 4 inches, and while that is large for a fish in a 10g, the BN is not an active swimmer, so physical space related to activity is not a problem here. It is the water quality that could be, but this can be offset by water changes with substrate vacuuming, live plants, and minimized feeding. Having said that, it would be better to have the fish in a larger space so it has more to explore, and considering the water quality, but that is in the works.

Many discus breeders will raise dozens of fry in what any of us would consider proportionally very small tanks, and this works because they do massive water changes. Some will do 95% water changes several times a day (yes, each day), and grow perfectly healthy fry. You don't want to be doing that I dare say, and won't need too, but the point is that water quality is easier to control than the physical space for activity, and here it is the former that is the more important.

 

[cowgirluntamed]

Thanks Byron!! I just wanted to be sure she'd be ok(if it's a she...lol). I am keeping a close eye on water quality now for sure. Accidentally missed last week's water change due to illness but it will get changed tomorrow for sure. I don't have live plants in it as the light isn't strong enough. Tried a 60 watt equivalent led that is in a clip on light. I do have plastic plants, 3 slate caves she loves, and a piece of mopani wood in there she always hangs out on. She also loves the sponge filter(the type you recommend only different brand). I love it in there too. Lol. I am doing better with the tanks though. Yay!! And I will get my butt in gear and go finish my big tank so I can start cycling it! That will be in a journal on the cycling page eventually. Lol. First for everything!