Quick Question....

[Faythee]

I need a Pleco and I seen a pretty one at the LFS. I want to say it is a gold nugget ? Yellow spots and a bit pricey. I have read they need driftwoog but am not sure why. I am bidding on a piece of driftwood on Ebay but if i win, wouldn't get it for a week or two. Would he be okay until then ? Thanks !

 

[Faythee]

Went to store to be sure. Yes, it is a Gold Nugget. Anyone have experience with these ? I read that they are territorial. Do you think it would bother my Polka Dot Pictus ? Thanks

 

[smithrc]

what size tank do you have?

There are 3 different "Golden Nuggets" one of them get to 14" or so...
I cant remember how to tell them apart but if you can get a picture you can compare it to them on Planetcatfish

It will be fine without wood for a few weeks

 

[Faythee]

I have a 75 Gal. I really want one that doesn't get too big. I thought that they only get to be around 7". The one in the store is about 4" already. I also read that they are not that great at keeping the glass clean. Guess I will have to pass. I am having a problem with brown algae. I clean it off and it reappears in 2 days and is getting worse

 

[smithrc]

I have a 75 Gal. I really want one that doesn't get too big. I thought that they only get to be around 7". The one in the store is about 4" already. I also read that they are not that great at keeping the glass clean. Guess I will have to pass. I am having a problem with brown algae. I clean it off and it reappears in 2 days and is getting worse

Here is an adult of the large type...
http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/image.php?image_id=5820

unfortunately plecs can make algae situations worse due to their waste output...

If you looking for a smaller algae eating plec you could try a common bristle nose - they will get to about 5" and are keep algae eaters.
(you will always need to feed plecs their own diet though - never just leave them assuming they will eat the algae in the tank - they will starve)