Pleco Or Ottos?

[BelldandyShanny]

Ok, so I'm looking for some opinions about algae removing fish (cost effectiveness and size are factors) my tank is 55 gallons.  So right now I'm curious should I go for a group of ottos or a single pleco (and what type) Tankmates include pair of kribs, pair of blue rams, guppies, and loaches. I think both are cute, the pleco is "so ugly it's cute"  So I'd be happy with either as far as looks go.  I don't want a pleco to turn into a whale or anything so that's why I'm asking.  I asked the same question to my lfs and am awaiting a reply, so I want to compare opinions.

 

[lrhodes]

You could do a bristle nose pleco. They stay pretty small. But don't starve them on just algae.

 

[BelldandyShanny]

oh I feed plenty of variety, he wouldn't starve! I just want a little assistance washing their windows!

 

[Meeresstille]

Otos add very little to the bio-load whereas I've read a lot about plecos being messy. 

 

[BelldandyShanny]

I run two filters, and do my weekly water changes.  I'm not too worried about the mess.  It's easier for me to clear out the extra poo than the algae.  Honestly I think  I'd rather have just the one pleco than have to maintain a group of ottos.  I may go that route somewhere down the road however.  Plus one ugly fish will make the rest look prettier! haha

 

[Meeresstille]

Lol

 

[Khalil]

Personally I love ottos and plecos! Don't make the same mistake I did when I first started fishkeeping, I bought several common plecos not realizing that one day they would turn into the "whales" that they are now... woops... so I'd have to agree with Irhodes, go with a pleco like a bristlenose or clown pleco. One that won't get too  big. Ottos are a lot of fun too but they are a lot harder to maintain ime and tend to do better in heavily planted tanks. 

 

[BelldandyShanny]

I called my petshop and they have bristlenose in stock! and I have a coupon!

 

[paradiddle]

bristlenose are not ugly too! im rather defensive of mine hes beautiful!

 

[ShinySideUp]

My two BN catfish don't bother much with glass cleaning, preferring to sift through the sand substrate.

 

[lrhodes]

I like the looks of plecos! Lol. My common pleco looks like a shark when he glides in the water. (even tho his name is gator... Shark would have been more appropriate.) and the BN have funny snouts when they suck on stuff. Ha.

 

[BelldandyShanny]

I know, they are "so ugly they're cute"   I don't mean to offend any pleco fans!  I want one cause I think it will look good in my tank

 

[Ninjouzata]

Do you have wood in your tank? And for a while I thought the male BN's were just ugly. Now I'm starting to think they're cute. Sigh

 

[BelldandyShanny]

I have wood, and three coconut shells, rocks, and plants

 

[Fishmanic]

I got a bristlenose pleco on tuesday.  He spends a lot of time "washing window".  and hangs out on his wooden log.  I tried feeding him algae wafers but so far only the other fish devour them.  I don't notice any algae on the glass but he must be finding some as he's eating nothing else so far.   They get to about 4 12 inches when full grown.  Right now he's only about 2 inches.