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Wondering what kind of catfish or pleco would be recommended for a new 30 gallon tank -- there are so many varieties readily available, but i'm concerned about getting something that will grow too large or be too aggressive. Am thinking of adding 2 weather loaches when the water is ready.... Any suggestions would be appreciated.<br><br>thanks,<br><br>daisy

Well, a bristlenose or bushynose would be a great pleco for that size tank. There's many different kinds to choose from, all staying pretty much under 6". Just make sure to keep up the gravel vacs as they are poop machines.

Catfish...you mean like cories? Because any cory cat will do, there's so many kinds. It just depends on personal preference. I like pandas.
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-Formerly known as the Ferretfish

We've got a clown pleco in our 29 gallon. They stay pretty small, but he doesn't really do a whole lot except eat wood and poop alot. He is really neat to look at though.
We also have a rubbernose plec. They get about 5-6 inch and he seems to do a pretty good job of eating algea and has a great personality. I am convinced he is a male because whenever we have football on the TV he sits in front of the tank and watches it
Good luck with whatever you decide.

Clown plecs
Scribbled face plecs
Queen Arabesque plecs
Starry Night BN
"Common" BN (dolichopterus)
Butterfly plec
Peruvian panther
Sultan plec
Rubbernose plec
Imperial Tiger Plec
Para Plec
Pretty Peckoltia
Parotos

All of the above are relatively common plecos easily fitted for a 30 gallon lifestyle.

I don't know if weather loaches would be a good idea, don't they grow to over nine inches?

There are a bunch of catfish that would work out, though. Many small plecos like the ones listed above would work (the bristlenose pleco is the one I recommend most), Corydoras and Brochis catfish are great, and some Synodontis species would work as well. I think that a bristlenose and seven cories would be nice additions to your tank. Cories are adorable and active, and the bristlenose would keep the tank free of algae. Best of all, they (the fish that I suggested) are totally peaceful.

Welcome to the site!

Last edited by sirbooks at 30-Dec-2004 19:33

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Dojo(weather) loaches get about 8-9" average in an aquarium but have the potential to reach over 12". They can also be quite active and really should have a 55g or larger. They also need a very tight fitting lid. I searched everywhere for these fish. I'd have to say the bn is about the best small pleco for an algae eater and fairly easy to find. A small group of otos is even better though. non algae eaters you can get all sorts of cory or loaches. There are also some expensive plecos out there of all kinds. I've been staring at the $300 zebra plecos at petland for about a week. Just check what's available and write down the names then look them up or ask on the forum.

Thanks for all the quick responses -- I still don't know what we'll put in, but we definitely won't be going the weather loach route (as neat as they seem.)

what about raphael cats? the spotted ones stay smaller than the striped, but i like the striped better. i've got 2 in my 33gal (soon upgrading to a 55). only thing is, you never see them - mine only come out at night

I would definitly go with a bristlenose pleco. They are hardy and will eat most types of algea and vegatable, and wafers. THey are nocturnal so dont count on finding them in the day if you have a heavily planted tank with lots of hiding spots.



fish1

Well maybe some of this can be of interest?
1)http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1042
2)http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1000
3)http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1558

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I know human beings and fish can co-exist peacefully.