Plec Problem

[robjack]

Hi,
We got a 180 litre tank about 6 weeks ago, an upgrade from a 50 litre 24*12*12 we've had for years. In the old tank, we kept two plecs, I think their common. It was only on coming on this site that I've since learnt that this is not at all suitable, and even the 180 litre tank may be pushing it size-wise.
Last week, we put the smallest of the two (4 inches) into the new tank, which has a sand substrate and is fairly heavily planted. All this last week, I've been having to replant some plants and resurface the substrate as the plec keeps digging them up. He's got his own little hiding place - which he's burrowed almost to the glass bottom of the tank - underneath a decent bit of Bogwood.
Will I have to replant all the time, or could this just be an initial phase since being introduced into a tank with a sand substrate?

Because of this wreckage, my Dad is reluctant to put the other, larger plec in the new tank, thinking that it will cause even more damage. I've argued that this simply isn't fair, and that if they're not going to go in the new tank, then they should be taken to a shop/given away. Fair enough, except here's where it gets difficult. My younger brother is fairly attached to these plecs, and refuses to let them go, even with much reasoning from my part How can I persuade a 12 year old that it's wrong to keep two plecs in a 50l tank, if we do not to keep them in the 180 litre?

Many thanks

Rob.

 

[KathyM]

We had a similar dilemma - a 4" chocolate albino "common" (liposarcus) which we bought thinking it was a different species. The downside is these will easily outgrow 18" in time - I've personally seen a 2ft common. Our daughter was very attached to him (Hannibal Plector was his name *lol*), but when we explained that he would be unhappy and probably get ill from being in our then 48" x 12" x 15" tank, she reluctantly let him go on to a new home.

Taling to your brother about how they'll not be suited to even the 180l and that they'll most likely fight, or get ill and die, might persuade him to trade them in for something more suitable (eg a bristlenose?). Your dad should be a bit more responsible and help you persuade him to be honest too.

Saying that, we now have a young gibby De Niro (sold as only growing to 12", but will grow to 18") and this time we've caved in and decided to get a 5ft x 2ft x 2ft tank to house him.

I would think that if you want to keep both of them, you'll either need two larger tanks or one huge one (6ft x 2ft x 2ft minimum).

 

[morgan]

Hi, Plecos do destroy plants when they get big because they are large and clumsy. I have a 12" Common and I have to choose the plants carefully. I have learnt which ones are ok. As for tank size- an active Pleco needs a tank 4 times his length, twice his height and plenty of room to turn around. An inactive species would be ok with a tank 3 times his length. HTH.

 

[Nina]

Unfortunately plecs dig and regardless of how many times you move the sand and plants to where you want them they will be moved to where they want them.

 

[robjack]

I showed this thread to my brother and you've all changed his mind, thanks very much Rang up the LFS and they said they'd take both the plecs off our hands. Sad but it's the best thing for them.
So now we've got to catch and transport them tomorrow (only a distance of about 15miles). Any advice on what to put them in for the journey?

Thanks,

Rob.

 

[KathyM]

Hi Rob

If you're going by car, a large bucket of the tank water with something placed over the top to avoid spillage would be okay.

Please give your brother a big hug from us lot - it's hard for kids to give up much loved pets even when it's the right thing to do. Does he get a consolation prize?

Take care and good luck,

Kathy

 

[robjack]

Got them both to the shop safe and sound. Used a tupperware to catch them both, then 10l bucket with a towel draped over for the ride

Thanks for all your help, much appreciated.

Rob.

 

[KathyM]

Nice work Rob!