One Plec Or Two?

[mic8310]

Is one enough? I'd hate it to get lonely being the only one in a tank so thinkin it be nice to get 2 smaller ones but is my tank big enough to supply 2 with enough food sources that they need?

 

[smegforbrains]

Plecs are generally solitary creatures. With two, you will find that one will get bullied and suffer from stunted growth IME.


Also, depending on which Plec you want and the size of your tank, more than one may not be an option.


Also, Plecs are fanatical waste producers, one Plec will keep you busy enough with the gravel vac

 

[ghent_3rd]

Are they going into your Rio 180?? If they are then I would say you could easily get a group of the same species in there and maybe 2 or 3 solitary animals of different species as long as they are fairly placid. Try Peckoltias, they are usually pretty placid, fairly small and also have some fantastic markings.

 

[JenCliBee]

Try Peckoltias, they are usually pretty placid, fairly small and also have some fantastic markings

you havent met my 134's then lol my god can they get aggressive

2 the OP 180 litre would be fine for a couple maybe BN's possible male and female and they would more than likely breed so would keep u nice and busy lol other than them choice would be urs on other species just depends on watch catches ur eye


jen

 

[ghent_3rd]

Try Peckoltias, they are usually pretty placid, fairly small and also have some fantastic markings

you havent met my 134's then lol my god can they get aggressive

2 the OP 180 litre would be fine for a couple maybe BN's possible male and female and they would more than likely breed so would keep u nice and busy lol other than them choice would be urs on other species just depends on watch catches ur eye


jen

You must have the Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis of the Peckoltia world then!! I suppose each fish is different just like us humans!!

 

[badenmate]

bn sounds good if your keen on them you might have a bit of trouble with 2 butterfly plecs or not i dont really now that might depend on the fish!!!

 

[stang1]

You could easily keep two or three Plecs in that tank providing they don't get much more than 6" and have plenty of hiding places as they are territorial. I have 10 assorted ones in my 5ft tank and have had no aggression issues as they have plenty of rock, wood and slate to hide in.
Peckoltias are generally quite placid and don't grow too big.
It is important to keep water quality stable and provide plenty of oxygen as they can be quite sensitive. I have always added mine to the tank last as the tank has had a chance to mature.

 

[benmate]

they should be ok but
1 is best

 

[stang1]

they should be ok but
1 is best

Why is it best only to have one?

 

[mic8310]

Ok I gotta ask, what do people mean by 'bn'?!

 

[stang1]

Bristlenose Catfish.

 

[Darkstar]

I have 10 assorted ones in my 5ft tank and have had no aggression issues as they have plenty of rock, wood and slate to hide in.

Exactly, as long as you follow some basic guidelines when choosing which plecs to keep, provide enough hiding places and have adaquate filtration then mutiple plecs in the same tank is fine.

 

[stang1]

Good point Darkstar, forgot to mention good filtration...

 

[ghent_3rd]

Good thing is you don't need a tank that is too high either, bit like good old rays a large footprint is more important than height for the plecs.