What Pleco Do I Want?

[TammyLiz]

I've heard that bettas do usually kill shrimp, given the opportunity. But bettas shouldn't really be in a community setup, they are best housed individually. I highly doubt black skirts would cause a problem for the shrimp, though.

 

[CBBP]

well bristelnoses will eat any "2d" algea right? ths tuff that grows on the glass like brown and green and cyan blue algea right? and off plants leaves and such?

will they attack/suck onto goldfish?

 

[xJake]

well bristelnoses will eat any "2d" algea right? ths tuff that grows on the glass like brown and green and cyan blue algea right? and off plants leaves and such?

will they attack/suck onto goldfish?

Blue/green algae is not algae at all. It is a type of bacteria that is harmful to fish if ingested.

 

[smithrc]

goldfish?

Is this the same tank?

 

[TammyLiz]

CardBoardBoxProcessor, I have heard that bristlenoses don't eat diatoms (brown flat algae), or BGA (blue green algae, actually cyanobacteria). As far as off plants leaves and such, I've seen pictures of some major damage bristlenoses have done to plants, eating not just the algae but rasping so hard they eat big holes in the leaves.

Uh, I don't even know what to say about the goldfish thing. The plec needs warmer water to mention one of many reasons why I would never put one in the same tank as a goldfish.

xJake, I don't think BGA is harmful to fish if consumed. At least, not all fish. I have heard of a vanamenia species that may eat it. But I've also heard it may contain toxins. Eh, now that I think of it, everything I know about it just hearsay. I have a little in one tank and am going to have to take care of it but as far as I know covering the tank for three days (no peeking! a complete blackout, according to those in the planted section here on TFF) will kill it, as well as antibiotics combined with reduced lighting.

I'm not a plec expert, but if you ask me, plecos shouldn't really be looked at as having a cleaning responsiblity. They're pets with their own needs, and may eat some algae if it looks good to them. My one plec does eat whatever he wants in the tank, but as far as how clean the tank looks--thats my job.

 

[smithrc]

I'm not a plec expert, but if you ask me, plecos shouldn't really be looked at as having a cleaning responsiblity. They're pets with their own needs, and may eat some algae if it looks good to them. My one plec does eat whatever he wants in the tank, but as far as how clean the tank looks--thats my job.

I struggle to express myself and get my point across politely on forums... that sums my view up perfectly!

 

[CBBP]

they wont eat brown algea? plecos are annoying

 

[CBBP]

I'm not a plec expert, but if you ask me, plecos shouldn't really be looked at as having a cleaning responsiblity. They're pets with their own needs, and may eat some algae if it looks good to them. My one plec does eat whatever he wants in the tank, but as far as how clean the tank looks--thats my job.

I struggle to express myself and get my point across politely on forums... that sums my view up perfectly!

true.. but it is so hard tg et algea to stay off plants.. I clean my tank walls myself.. but plant leaves >>

 

[tetraman]

The lesson I learned: You should get your pleco because you are interested in it and not just for algae duties. If you want to be algae free but have no interest in plecos, just get an algae scrubber.

 

[§tudz]

The lesson I learned: You should get your pleco because you are interested in it and not just for algae duties. If you want to be algae free but have no interest in plecos, just get an algae scrubber.

ok from experiecne I've had platies, and flyingfoxes eat har algae, but Flyingfoxes are again territorial like all plecs. They become very agressive (as they are algae eater, do a ittle research into algae eaters they are all agressive like this to defend thier algae garden etc, etc)

but the comment about goldfish did worry me...

I've seen common plecs (not gibbies) kept on cold water systems, at some very good Fish shops. but meh! I wouldnt do it.

 

[CBBP]

I shall jsut remove it buy hand haha