pleco question please

[platyfreek]

Hi, I have a 50gal. with 3 small bala sharks,1 dwarf gourami, 4 tiger barbs, and 5 neon tetras. Its next to a window but we keep the curtain blocking it most of the time. Well now its summer, i was thinking of getting a pleco to help control the algea that has recently started growing. tank been runnin for 3 or 4 months. temp 80 nitrate 50ppm, PH 7.3
ammonia and nitrite zip.I don't want a common pleco cause they get too big. I've read about a few that don't get quite as big but they all cost a lot. I went to the lfs today and they only had common plecs but there are a few that are farther away that im going to try. otherwise we'll order one.I wa just wanting some suggestions as to which species to get. I like zebras but they're too expensive.

 

[Adistar]

www.planetcatfish.com should have alot of species on their for you.

 

[platyfreek]

thankyou!

 

[platyfreek]

I'm thinking about the pretty pleco. I'll have to buy it cause tthey don't have any at the lfs.(i didn't figure they would) do they eat algea? i kiinow there are a few plecos that don't eat algea.

 

[Sky042]

Rubber lip is a good option. doesn't get that big and is a hard core algae eater.

 

[hello kitty]

bristlenose

 

[emma12321]

A bristle nose plec would be ideal they stay inder 6 inches and do a great job on algae. They also come in the albino and long finned variety. You may see them advertised as bushynose plecs.

A small group of otocinclus would also eat the algea (get at least 3 as they like to live in groups).

Hope this helps

Emma

 

[platyfreek]

thankyou thankyou thankyou!

 

[WILDER]

I have a pit bull plec and they stay small, but not much in the looks department.

 

[Dangerousdan]

King Tiger plec. Mine eats everything and anything at wont get over 6".....and looks the doggs.

 

[smithrc]

King Tiger plec. Mine eats everything and anything at wont get over 6".....and looks the doggs.

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But wont eat algae...

 

[Jephex]

stingray/hong kong plecos? I have one hes supposed to only grow to maybe 5 or more

 

[LoachLover]

Rubber lip is a good option. doesn't get that big and is a hard core algae eater.

[snapback]848862[/snapback]​

I second that, they are a good little fish.

Not as hardy as a common pleco though, from my experience.

 

[smithrc]

stingray/hong kong plecos? I have one hes supposed to only grow to maybe 5 or more

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its actually not a pleco, commonly called a loach (but its not a loach either)

They prefer cool fast flowing water (eg a well filtered cold water tank)

They will get to 2" max

 

[Teelie]

its actually not a pleco, commonly called a loach (but its not a loach either)

They prefer cool fast flowing water (eg a well filtered cold water tank)

Actually, I think it is. Two.