Sailfin Plec

[dyson83]

hi just bought my first plec. think he is a sailfin plec
i was assured they dont get to big by lfs, after some research i dont think this is the case.
can anyone help? i only have a 60ltr tank and dont want him to outgrow it.
thanks

 

[PENNYWISE]

It wont take long for him to outgrow your tank.

 

[MHunt]

I think the only plecs that wouldn't outgrow a 60l (20 gal ish) are the bristlenose, and i think the golden nugget and royal plecs stay smallish too. It's probably ok for now, but they can grow quite quickly so be prepared to upgrade the tank or rehome the fish at a later date.

 

[LisaLQ]

Gold nuggets and royal plecs dont stay small - one species of gold nugget can get to 16", the other two to around 7". Royals can get anywhere up to 18" I think, but it takes them years to get there - but even the tiniest one isn't suitable for a 60l tank, as they produce even more waste than other plec species (because they eat bogwood and poo sawdust!). Only plecs I'd recommend for a 60l are claros, queen arabesques, and similar sized - I think even a decent sized BN would be hard pushed for space in a 60l (although some folks do it - I'm just too soft on mine lol).

Your gibby's going to get to anywhere between 1ft and 2ft. Usually around 18". He'll grow fast, not as fast as a common, but quick enough for him to need a bigger tank in a couple of months just for his size, but for the amount of waste produced, it'll mean a lot of maintenance in the meantime.

Personally, if it were me, and I couldn't get a big tank for him like he'll need soon (min 4ft x 2ft x 2ft for an adult, preferably 5-6ft though), I'd take him back to the LFS or rehome him before I got too attached Swap him for a BN or a few otos depending on tank mates. Or go one better, and pay out a bit extra for a QA

 

[MHunt]

Gold nuggets and royal plecs dont stay small - one species of gold nugget can get to 16", the other two to around 7". Royals can get anywhere up to 18" I think, but it takes them years to get there - but even the tiniest one isn't suitable for a 60l tank, as they produce even more waste than other plec species (because they eat bogwood and poo sawdust!). Only plecs I'd recommend for a 60l are claros, queen arabesques, and similar sized - I think even a decent sized BN would be hard pushed for space in a 60l (although some folks do it - I'm just too soft on mine lol).

Fair enough, just anecdotal bits and pieces that's i'd heard from LFS's (we know they're never wrong don't we ) and seen on a few websites. I would probably put a BN or two in a 60l, but that would probably be as a species tank with few tankmates.

 

[LisaLQ]

LOL if your LFS is anything like mine, commons only get to 6" *cough splutter* and gold spots are misidentified as "very rare orange spot" plecs. And chinese algae eaters are very peaceful, live in groups and only get to 3-4". Must say, they're not as bad now (maybe because they know now hubby knows a bit about fish!), shame about their stock.

Must say though, I am tempted to put my two BNs in my 60l tank to see if they breed. I feel like it's wrong though, especially when they've been in a 6ft/180g lol. I dont think I ever could, but I want to - because I know other folks do, but it's just so tiny looking it doesn't feel right. Can you tell I'm not used to small tanks?

 

[KathyM]

I've got one 2.5-3" unidentified ancistrus (Poofish) in Dan's 60L tank and to be honest he looks a bit silly in it at his size. We did contemplate putting Ned in (4.5" albino sp. 3) because he is Dan's fish, but we thought he was a bit too big and it would look daft. Maybe when we get the mini external.