Calling Plec Experts

[newtankgirl]

Hi,
I have a 174 litre tank containing a rapidly growing pleco. I was advised he wouldnt grow too big.... He's currently had a growth spurt and is now 7 inches long ( not including tail). I know that he will outgrow this tank but how big does he need to get before i need to rehome him? Really dont want to get rid but at the same time dont want to keep him in the wrong conditions. Thanks

 

[PlecMama]

Hiya, what type of plec (so we can give an idea of how big he is going to get) and what's he in now? a 3ft? 3ft x 18 x 18 sort of thing?

It's already to small if he is 7 inches plus tail, time to get him a new home.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Yes i would definately advise moving him now, what sort of pleco is he? The most commonly sold large growing plecos are sailfins and common pleco's;
Common plec;

http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/speci...p?species_id=88

Sailfin plec;

http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/speci...?species_id=148

 

[newtankgirl]

Thanks - he's a sailfin.... Tank is a fluval 190 (corner unit) 2and half foot by 2 and half with bow front - holds 174 litres. He looks healthy enough in that hes feeding well and lurking around but im not sure what sort of stress signs he would show... I really dont want to stunt him if thats what is likely to happen, how would i know?

 

[newtankgirl]

Also, if he has to go - and I know this will happen if not now then soon Does anyone live in the Herts area who would like him? I could just take him back to (a different.....) shop but then thats no guarentee he will go to a bigger home..Sorry im kind of attached!

 

[newtankgirl]

Anyone? Someone must have advice and/ or a big tank for a very handsome pleco (loves algae wafers and brocolli - doesnt do cucumber....) Calling "Lisa" where do you live? Havent seem your posts for while but would welcome your advice ( and fish tank....)

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I don't know anyone around your area who's looking for a sailfin, but you can try the buy/sell section on the forum if you like. Sailfin plecos vary a bit in max size, if your turns out to be one of the smaller growing ones, then a 5ft by 18inch wide and high tank should be adequate, if it is one of larger growing sailfins though then a 6x2x2ft tank is what will be needed to house the fish.
The problem with sailfin plecs is that there are so many of them sold every week all over the world and so few people that realise how big they'll get, there are always people looking to rehome them. Good luck with finding him a bigger tank .

 

[LisaLQ]

Anyone? Someone must have advice and/ or a big tank for a very handsome pleco (loves algae wafers and brocolli - doesnt do cucumber....) Calling "Lisa" where do you live? Havent seem your posts for while but would welcome your advice ( and fish tank....)

I do have a big tank, and space for a big plec now that my big common has moved on, but sadly I'm too far from you and also am not interested in another gibby, as I rehomed a truly beautiful one a couple of months ago due to it bullying my other plecs and dont want to repeat that. I have a bad habit of taking in commons and gibbies that no-one wants any more, and the truth of the matter is - now I have space, I'd rather fill it with something special that I really want, instead of doing folks favours. It's amazing how many people assume because you have a big tank, you're willing to take on their mistakes!

Sorry I cant help.

 

[PlecMama]

Alas I have five also now and I can't take him either

I am sorry, maybe put a card up in the pet shop advertising him and ask to visit the prospective purchaser when they make contact? if they really want him they shouldn't mind - might seem a bit odd but it's one way of making sure he is going to a good home.

 

[michellebradford]

hi im in herts but i dont have room, have you tried to see if maidenhead aquatics will take him the took some puffers from me and gave me store credit for them. They are very good. or you could try the one in henlow cant think of the name at the mo sorry. they take unwanted fish

 

[michellebradford]

hi im in herts but i dont have room, have you tried to see if maidenhead aquatics will take him the took some puffers from me and gave me store credit for them. They are very good. or you could try the one in henlow cant think of the name at the mo sorry. they take unwanted fish

hi im in herts but i dont have room, have you tried to see if maidenhead aquatics will take him the took some puffers from me and gave me store credit for them. They are very good. or you could try the one in henlow cant think of the name at the mo sorry. they take unwanted fish

 

[newtankgirl]

Thanks toxis suzie and Michelle, I appreciate your advice - will try Maidenhead-they very helpful when got new tank - not bought any fish from them yet though but worth a try re rehome! Sorry to ask your advice Lisa (which is what I was after because I have read your posts on plecs and was impressed with your experience - i thought you might know about size/tank issues and were friendly enough to ask without being told "stupid woman should have asked more people than the fish shop sales man". I wasn't asking you to take him just where you were and so if you knew places that I could ask. Anyway won't personalise any questions to you again

 

[stang1]

I should imagine Maidenhead will take him off your hands, they're generally very good when it comes to things like that.
We had a Synodontis Angelicus that we brought from a different store but had to rehome him as he was too aggressive. Maidenhead took him off us and gave us a bout a third of what we had paid for him. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[newtankgirl]

Sorry Lisa. I have had the weekend from hell.... I read it again and I wasn't clear - it does look like I was treating you like the "pleco rescue service which I wasn't. I do apolygise and if you accept I would welcome any input you have

 

[LisaLQ]

Sorry Lisa. I have had the weekend from hell.... I read it again and I wasn't clear - it does look like I was treating you like the "pleco rescue service which I wasn't. I do apolygise and if you accept I would welcome any input you have

No worries - me too - had to rehome my big common on Sunday - he's going to a great home, and he was causing bother (tank is much more peaceful without him) but still upset me. He was one of the ones that ended up with me because no-one else wanted him, so felt a bit like I'd let him down - hence snapping a bit.

Soz