Got My New Tank Today For Plecs!

[rodandalisonthompson]

Ive just set up a Juwel Rekord 70 tank (70 litre / 15 gallons) today.

I am a huge fan of plecs and plan this tank to be plec only. I have used a lot of slate in the tank to create plenty of hiding spaces and i have planted it out with 3 x Amazon Swords along the back and a mixture of plants around the front. I have used quite a fine gravel over a Sera peat/fertilizer mix.

My 120l tank has a Gold Nugget Plec (2" long), a Royal Plec (3" long) and a Flash Panaque (2" long). My 20l tank has a Spotted Ancistrus (2" long).

Can someone please advise on:
1. is setting up a tank for plecs any different from setting up for any other type of fish? is the cycling process the same? should i leave the light on 24x7 to encourage algae growth whilst cycling?
2. what is the best way of cycling fishless or not?
3. should i keep my existing plecs where they are or move them over?
4. what is the capacity of this tank assuming i am going for the smaller varieties of plec?
5. how feasible is breeding in a tank with multiple varieties?

Any comments on the layout of the tank would be greatly appreciated.


Heres a pic of how it looks. I know the water is cloudy....it was only added an hour ago

 

[KathyM]

That's a really lovely tank, but in reality, it's only suitable for one small species at a push (eg. one bristlenose). Your Royal and Flash are panaques, which are one of the messiest families of plecs, and need big tanks with excellent filtration, even though at their current size it may seem over the top. Your Gold Nugget will be a baryancistrus which in the long run is not compatable with your panaques, given their differing dietary needs, and the potential aggression. The only plec you have that will actively eat algae is your bristlenose - your panaques need bogwood and vegetables (protein does them great damage in the long run), your Gold Nugget will need a higher protein diet. Royals grow to up to 16", and GNs, depending on which species can grow to nearly the same, although both are slow growing.

I would consider the long run for all of them as I can foresee you needing at least two much larger tanks. Your panaques could live uite happily in with your ancistrus, given much more space (55g for now roughly, with a realy good external filter and regular water changes). Your panaques will do much better without the Gold Nugget in with them.