Common Pleco Getting Too Big?

[**sarahp**]

When I first set my tank up in August 2007 I rescued two common plecos from awful conditions I have since re-homed one as they were beginning to fight. I am now getting a tad concerned about the one that is left behind. My tank is a Rena 4ft long, 2ft high and 1.5ft front to back. I reckon Lucan is 8 or 9 inches long. Is he too big for the tank now??? My OH really doesnt want to get rid of him, but if he is too big for our tank then we have to do whats best for him. He seems happy enough, eating well (very well ) hanging out by the heater and generally doing what plecs do - but just need some advice from people who know more than me

Another question - when I rescued him he was in 2ft tank and was 2-3 yrs ld so he may well be stunted - how long will it be before he starts to grow if he's going to?? Any ideas??

Also my original stocking list had a couple of BN's on it - which I would still like to do but I'm not sure if mixing baby BN's with a big pleco is the best plan I've ever come up with I'm pretty sure he wouldn't harm them deliberately but would he nick all the food??

All thoughts appreciated

 

[morgan]

The general rule for judging tank size for Plecos is the tank should be four times the length of the Pleco (not counting the tail), twice the height and enough room to turn round. I have a 15" Common in a tank your size and he is fine. I would prefer a 100gal tank (who wouldn't!) which I hope to get later this year. I am not sure if they get on with other Plecos or not. On Planet Catfish it says the Common doesn't like "con specifics". I have tried to look at Planet Catfish to check that but it says "bandwidth exceeded". I am fairly sure it used to say that. My Pleco is in with peaceful community fish but no other Plecos.

 

[**sarahp**]

Thanks morgan As long as he's ok thats all I'm interested in - he seems very happy and he's always a talking point when people look at the tank - they never see him to begin with then they are gob-smacked when he appears out of 'nowhere'