Space For Plecs

[idlefingers]

I'm reading about some plecs which I'm considering for my new tank. I keep reading things about the how they shouldn't be crowded because they can get territorial but also that they're more active when kept in groups.

So, if I were to get 240ltr, would that be big enough for a group of medium sized plecs? I've been looking at L264 (Sultan), L066 (King Tiger) or L260 (Queen Arabesque). What are people's views on these or could you recommend something else?

Or perhaps would the tank be large enough for a couple of larger ones?

Please help!! I'm hooked on getting some plecs but need some guidance and want to do it right!

 

[stang1]

I can't see anything wrong with keeping all three in that size tank.
You are best sticking to Plecos that don't get too big and make sure you have plenty of caves and bogwood.
There's a pinned topic on Plecos- 8" and under, might give you a better idea!

 

[idlefingers]

Cheers. I've been looking at that thread and comparing it with what I can find and afford and narrowed it down to my three favorite looking ones.

Do you think it's be better to get three of one type of one of three types?

 

[xingumike]

Agreed, all those you mention will be fine in that tank, i keep more than that in a smaller tank without any trouble although i wouldn't recommend it, im seriously overfiltered and do daily water changes.

From that bunch id go for the sultan, i love the mouth shape on them but thats just mo.

 

[stang1]

Cheers. I've been looking at that thread and comparing it with what I can find and afford and narrowed it down to my three favorite looking ones.

Do you think it's be better to get three of one type of one of three types?

A lot of it depends on what type of Pleco you like. Most Plecos are happy with their own kind but some can be extremely territorial.
I know a couple of members have little groups of Pitbull Plecos without problems. I prefer one of each so I can get a bigger variety but that's because there are so many I like!

 

[smithrc]

Cheers. I've been looking at that thread and comparing it with what I can find and afford and narrowed it down to my three favorite looking ones.

Do you think it's be better to get three of one type of one of three types?

A lot of it depends on what type of Pleco you like. Most Plecos are happy with their own kind but some can be extremely territorial.
I know a couple of members have little groups of Pitbull Plecos without problems. I prefer one of each so I can get a bigger variety but that's because there are so many I like!

Thats my problem - I get a group of the ones I like rather than just one!!

The key, as Mike said, is filtration, the other is providing hiding places and cover.
On my 240L I've got a filter for a 500L tank...
In that tank I've got 9 plecs... 4 Starlight bristlenoses (2 4" females, 1 4" and 1 3" male), 4 Hypancistrus L400 all about 2" and a ranger plec - 4".
However there are 6 caves and plecnt of bogwood and plants for hiding in/under.

There is no aggression, except for usual bickering between the bristles at feeding time

We are now trying to decide which to move from our 350l as a centerpeice plec... Spot, our whitespot (LDA33) or George, our leopard cactus (L114)

The water quality is not a problem and we have Triline Corys spawning as well as out Syno Petricolas in the tank
(Just waiting for the starlight's to get started again now).

 

[stang1]

You sound like you've got some busy little Plecs Russell!
Good point on the filtration, I forgot to mention that.
We have 2 external filters running on our 137G tank and a couple of airstones to add extra oxygen.