New Tank For Plecs

[San O Fisher]

So I know that i want to get a tank between 50-75 gallons, and as I have gotten back into having a fish tank and been researching I realized that I am a large fan of plec's.
I have a small golden nugget in my 15 gallon now (he is the smallest of the three types of golden nuggets) and i will move him into the bigger tank when i get it, if he grows to fast it will come sooner)
I wanted to know how many plecs I could get for a 50-75 gallon set-up if I make sure to get plecs that dont get too much bigger than 6 inches.
I am going to use a combo of fake and live plants, a few large rocks and wood for decor, but i have not decided if i want sand or gravel. Any thoughts on what plecs prefer? I really like the look of sand, but is this harder to take care of.
any special things i will need to know when i have more than one plec? I would like to have a sydontis and pictus cat as well - and then i will add some smaller fish.

I would love some advice on this

 

[smithrc]

So I know that i want to get a tank between 50-75 gallons, and as I have gotten back into having a fish tank and been researching I realized that I am a large fan of plec's.
I have a small golden nugget in my 15 gallon now (he is the smallest of the three types of golden nuggets) and i will move him into the bigger tank when i get it, if he grows to fast it will come sooner)
I wanted to know how many plecs I could get for a 50-75 gallon set-up if I make sure to get plecs that dont get too much bigger than 6 inches.
I am going to use a combo of fake and live plants, a few large rocks and wood for decor, but i have not decided if i want sand or gravel. Any thoughts on what plecs prefer? I really like the look of sand, but is this harder to take care of.
any special things i will need to know when i have more than one plec? I would like to have a sydontis and pictus cat as well - and then i will add some smaller fish.

I would love some advice on this

sounds like a great plan

Sand is the way to go - plecs love it.
the main things to remember about having numerous plecs is filtration and cover.
Provide lots of both

There is a pinned list of some of the more regularly found smaller plecs pinned at the top of this section have a look through them (with the aid of the "cat-e-log" on planet catfish)

If your looking for an easy life - try to pick plecs that have the same dietary needs

Pims and Synos (smalled ones of both) should pose no problem either

 

[San O Fisher]

I have been thinking about adding a Blue phantom L128 and a green phontom L200. - looks like they all eat the same, possibly one more smaller one depending on the tank size.

What would you recommend as adequate filtration?

as for the sand, I have small rocks as my bottom now, would it be beneficial to change it to sand next time i do a large water change/ tank cleaning. If they prefer more i would definitely change it as i like the look more, but is it harder to clean, considering if you poor water in it kicks up sand?

Thanks

 

[smithrc]

sorry for not replying sooner...

If you've got pebbles / gravel already then there is no rush to change it - its just better for them if you can get sand when you set the next one up - it lets them dig and filter through it for food etc...

As for filtration - in tend to go for twice what the filter says - eg if you have a 50 gal tank - get a filter that says 100g and you should be fine.

that said 3 plecs in a 70gal wont be heavily stoking it