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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.

thanks,

daisy

It it were me I'd just get about a 4 inch "common pleco"

They are peacfull enough to be in any community tank and yes he'll eventually outgrow your 30 gallon but not too soon. He'd be good in there for quite a while and then all you'd have to do is take him to the lfs and trade for another 4 inch one to start over with.

Not sure i'd go with the common. That's just me personally, though.

You can't go wrong with a Bristlenose pleco Once you get used to the look of them theyre really on the cute side. They only grow to 4-6 inches and they're great algae eaters. They're also not very agressive (unlike common plecos as they get older). A BN would be my first choice in this scenerio, and I'm sure others would agree

If you think they're ugly looking, you can try a candy stripe pleco or a clown pleco. They're some of the less expensive and nicer looking plecos out there, though they wont eat algae - at least not as well as a BN. They also stay small, 4 inches or so. Be sure to keep driftwood with them, though, as they need it (or fibrous veggies) for digestion.

Common plecos are awesome when you can keep them full grown, but who wants to be bothered constantly returning one fish for another? Plus, if youre anything like me, you might get attached to your fish... then you'd have to take them back not cool. It's up to you though, do your research, youve got lots of choices

Last edited by nowherman6 at 04-Feb-2005 14:13

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Back in the saddle!

You can get a lovely Bristle Nose. They are quite cute & peaceful.



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I would stay away from the commom plecos in that tank. Bristlenose, pitbull, or bulldog(rubbernose) plecos would be a good choice. Check out www.planetcatfish.com .
Some of the smaller synodotis cats are also nice. I have some synodotis petricola in my tank and they are nice.
If your tank is new, I would reccomend to wait untill the tank is fully mature before adding any plecos. Make sure you also purchase the proper food as most tanks will not produce enough algae in order to provide a major food source for plecos. It is not a rare thing for pleco to starve in tank, but keeping in mind not over feed.

Last edited by openwater at 05-Feb-2005 15:17