Hardiest / Least Hardy Plecos?

[MermaidMel]

I've got a snowball and a clown and finding them pretty easy going. I fancy a sultan possibly, not sure yet really, just really like them. Are they hardy like my snowball and clown. If not or even if so, can you guys list what you find to be hardy or indeed rather weak plecos. Not interested in bristlenose, gibbi or common though. Thanks

 

[xingumike]

Define hardy?

Barys are normally pretty hard to keep alive early doors, your snowball is probably one of those so you must be doing something right.

In terms of what seems to have the worst reaction to transportation i would probably say Barys (especially gold nuggets) or Panaque. But get a Panaque healthy and they become virtually bulletproof!

 

[MermaidMel]

Define hardy?

Barys are normally pretty hard to keep alive early doors, your snowball is probably one of those so you must be doing something right.

In terms of what seems to have the worst reaction to transportation i would probably say Barys (especially gold nuggets) or Panaque. But get a Panaque healthy and they become virtually bulletproof!

Well I'm glad I'm doing something right, not sure what exactly but they are nice healthy boys thus far. Saying that I've only had them a couple of months or so. I lost my bulldog but I think the temp was too high for him in the end. Maybe it's all pot luck, as you say if you get them healthy they will probs stay that way if you do the whole water conditions thing right.

 

[smithrc]

Over the years I can count on one hand the plecs I have lost....

I had a few very close calls with CO2 problems when I was running planted tanks...
one of them took the life of our juvinile saltan
(the other plecs in the tank at the time survived)

I've lost an L400 to white spot (other 4 were fine)
an LDA33 randomley soon after import (the other 3 with it were fine)...
and an adult Zebra cause unknown (all other zebs were fine)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that in my opinion, once settled in and in stable conditions, there isn't necasseraly hardy species of plecs just weaker or stronger individuals

 

[xingumike]

I guess what I'm trying to say is that in my opinion, once settled in and in stable conditions, there isn't necasseraly hardy species of plecs just weaker or stronger individuals

That raises an important point that i missed, the condition of the fish when you buy it.

If you see one you want, make sure it has been in the shop for a week or three, if its freshly imported and you want it, put a deposit on it. Make sure the shop get it feeding, check for sunken eyes and a hollow belly. Once its settled in a tank then and only then would i take it home, the stress of moving them when they are fresh in the shop can be a killer ime.