Common And Golden Nugget Plecos In Same Tank

[***Mark***]

I recently started a new 29 gallon tank. I have had common plecos before in the same sized tank which have lived happy lives and gotten quite big. However, this time I bought a common pleco - and then I got a golden nugget pleco. The common pleco is about 3 inches and the other is about 2.5 inches. The common pleco bullies the golden nugget whenever it comes out. Can this be stopped by adding more hiding spots? Currently there are 2 hiding spots which the common pleco has taken over and will not tolerate the golden nugget plec to be in his areas. The golden nugget pleco has found a home underneath the filter. I even watched the common plec chase him out of there too. I fear that as they both get larger they will have more interaction with one another and eventually kill each other. I really want to keep them both. Any suggestions?

 

[FishyWishie]

Good question I know certain plec species can be more/less tolerant of other plecs being in their tank I have a small spot golden nugget plec and a Snowball plec in the same tank for almost a year now and aside from if they go after the same bit of Zuchini they dont bother about each other in the slightest. Common plecs could be another issue though I'll see what I can find out.

 

[xingumike]

'' I have had common plecos before in the same sized tank which have lived happy lives and gotten quite big''

How? A 29 gal is nowhere near big enough for a common.

Rearraging this tank or adding more hiding spots will help short term but I wouldn't fancy the chances of keeping a new GN alive that is being out-competed for food etc, they are difficult enough to acclimatise in an ideal set up.

 

[***Mark***]

I had one that was alive for 5yrs. in my tank and then just gave it too my mom when i moved and it's still alive and kicking two years later (making him 7). He is very active and seems to be very healthy. Before that I had one that live for 6 yrs. in the same tank. I just got a new tank and didn't think twice about getting a pleco. They are very tough fish. This is why I didn't think that having two would be an issue.
I really appreciate the replies. I am looking for a long term solution - which is why I also thought that I should remove one . I really enjoy both the fish; but don't want them to be stressed and competing for food.

Any other suggestions are welcomed.
Thanks for the help,
*** Mark***