Help Choosing A Pleco

[Richie Hell]

Ok, I'm really really confused.

Started planning my next tank, something like a 4 foot wide 240 litre, give or take a few inches. Trying to decide what plec I can put in it, but everywhere I look gives conflicting info on sizes, or I'm inundated with 400 scientific names, nonsensical common names, or random numbers

What are you're reccomendations, something quite readily available in the UK, not too expensive, not too hard to care for, from around 6 to 10 inches maximum size?

 

[stang1]

The good old Bristlenose! They grow to about 6 inches and are easy enough to take care of. They are brilliant for getting rid of algae. They prefer a tank with bogwood and planting and foodwise they like algae wafers, frozen or live foods and vegetables.

 

[Richie Hell]

Cool, yeah. I like them, they'd do, unless anyone has any sugestions that are slightly larger?

But then again, might not manage anything else larger.

 

[KathyM]

It depends on what you're looking for out of one. Bristlenoses are really cool, very good algae eaters and cheap and easy to get hold of. Other small plecs include Clown Plecs which cost about a fiver each (small panaques that eat bogwood and can be shy but are pretty), and then your fancier species which may cost you a few bob more.

 

[DarkEntity]

Ive just bought a Tiger Plec, Only grows to about 4"

 

[dwarfgourami]

I'll add my vote for the bristlenose. The fact that it's easily obtainable should not overshadow the fact that it is a seriously cool fish. Cool-looking and very active about the tank. All my tanks are full of little bristlies atm as my pair are very productive. They do a very good job on the algae, and the male looks so good with his tentacles sticking out of his head. And they get on with all other tank companions.

 

[smithrc]

A group of say 3 bristle noses would be great - then you can try breeding them too

If you look about you might be able to find something a bit more unusual than your standard brown or albinos too - We have a trio of L182 Starlight Bristle noses - they grow to the same sizes (4-5") but are black with tiny white spots

 

[Breeze7050]

My vote goes to the bristlenose as well! I just got 2 the other day and I love them!! Though they are quite tiny right now!!

 

[Teelie]

BN's are great and there are several breeds and species now besides just the regular brown and albino/gold ones. I went with regular albinos though I almost got a long fin variety.

Starlights (L183, Ancistrus dolichopterus) are definitely on my future list too. The L182 grows to 9.8" so I'm assuming that you got the numbers backwards.

Here's a list of the known Bristlenoses.

 

[Bloo]

Bristlies are great characters and beautiful - and there's such a variety. Ranging from really cheap to a pretty penny.
However, do be aware that they can indeed enjoy plants and some may rip them the shreds. Just about the only things that are safe, are things like Vallis that are "flimsy" and won't support their weight. Any stem plants are a risk. So if you treasure your plants, be aware of the culprits

 

[smithrc]

BN's are great and there are several breeds and species now besides just the regular brown and albino/gold ones. I went with regular albinos though I almost got a long fin variety.

Starlights (L183, Ancistrus dolichopterus) are definitely on my future list too. The L182 grows to 9.8" so I'm assuming that you got the numbers backwards.

Here's a list of the known Bristlenoses.

We have a spawning group of the L182's (best looking match for ID). They got to 4" and not got any bigger...
However Sir Minion has "broccolli" again whos ID best matched the L182 pictures - and he's about 10"...

Heres one of ours (the breeding male)

and one of our oldest, young males

 

[Richie Hell]

Awesome. A Bristlenose seems like a good bet then. Cheers.