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I would like to get a pleco but I don't know if it will be safe from my africans. Will they try to eat it? Also, anyone ever use the fizz tablets to kill algae and is it safe for africans? Only my coral gets the algae growing on it that is seeable. I've taken that out 2 times so far and boiled it off. Any sugestions? Thanks.I have 2 .A female thumbi west and a powder blue, but may be the male trewavasae since I found a site with my exact yellow specked one, the male was the same as my powder blue so he is one of the 2. They came from the sametank as young so I would assume they are of the same origion.

First of all, how big is your tank? Common plecos (which I assume you're talking about) get pretty big, so you need to be sure that you have room for one. Also, how big are your cichlids? They would probably leave the plec alone, unless there is a big size difference (i.e., the cichlids are way bigger). Plecos are tough fish anyways, so one should probably be fine.

As for the algae killing tablet, I wouldn't buy it. I'm not a fan of using any kind of artificial chemicals or tablets in my tank (except for a dechlorinator). Most don't work, anyways. The common pleco is a good algae eater, and should help take care of the algae in your tank.

By the way, welcome to the site!

Last edited by sirbooks at 03-Dec-2004 14:49

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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."

Thanks. My cichlids is about 3 inches, fem about 2. Still grouwing up. Tank is 10 gallons, husband buying me a 55 gallon for xmas. Then I will add 4 more fish, I don't want more than 6 . That be big enough for the pleco? I just don't like to by and watch any die. Thats how I ended up with the blue one. Was a rescue that was almost killed by the others in the tank. Even it's own momma so I brought it home and got a small tank. So hooked already wanting bigger tank and more fish. Just want all things to be perfect in the 55 gallon, most say darker deco is better for these fish. Says will bring out the colors. True?Thanks

I wouldnt put a common plec in ether of those tanks. The 55gallon is only like 12deep and a plec get 18 not a good match. If you really want a pleco get a bn plec which is the best plec at removing algea and stays around 6in. GOod luck and happyfishkeeping

The problem won't be the cichlids, it will be the pleco itself. They get really big, to around eighteen inches or so. One would definitely outgrow that ten gallon, and fast. In fact, a 55 gallon is probably too small, as well. For more info on the common pleco, you can read this thread.

Instead, I suggest just waiting until you get that 55 gallon. If you add any more fish right now, the ten gallon will probably be overstocked. Cichlids often add quite a lot to a tank's bioload. Once you get the bigger tank, go with a bristlenose. They are great algae eaters, very *captivating* (you'll know when you see one), and are great community fish. Plus, they stay fairly small, about five inches or so.

Just wait it out a little bit, you can do it!

Last edited by sirbooks at 03-Dec-2004 15:27

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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."

Thanx, I wasn't going to get the plec or the other fish till my 55 gallon is set up and going. What is a bn plec? Any other type algae eater I can use? I know that the african cichlid tank at the hoiday where I worked(before Ivan took it down) there was about 10 fish and the tanks were over 100 gallons. They kept nipping at the plec till they killed it.

oops, I read on a little more. A bn is short for bottlenose? Thats a good one to check into.

Isn't a plec short for plecostomus?I thought it was the same.

BN is short for bristle/bushy nose. Think there is also one called a peppermint/candy stripe that stays small. Ive got a BN, Common Plec. (yes thats short for plecostumus sp?), and a juvenile BN in a tank with oscars and severums, with no problems. Biggest problem with common plecs is that they will slow down on eating algae as they get larger, the one i have is getting grown out for my turtle tank. I also have a tank of peacocks, yellow labs, and yellow princess that has BN and juveniles, there are no problems there either. Ive found as long as their are a few hiding places and the plecs are in the tank for a few days first the cichlids leave them alone.

Bdadawg

yeah, checked the local aquarium stores and don't know what a bristle or brush pleco is. Am I from a different area than you, or this tells me alot about the aqua store. Maybe another name? Candysripe plec, what does it look like and the other too. Thanx

I think that any kind of Plekotia will stay small. A BN is one of them & tend to stay small.

I'm not sure with Plecos & Cichlids, but i have a CAE with my Brichardi pair & fry, without problems.

:88):88):88)



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I have a bristlenose in my malawi tank solely for the purpose of algae removal as the tank gets a little sun,he is perfect at his job and i now have to supplement his diet with veggies and hikari algae tablets.

Gibson SG you know you want one!!

No, bristlenoses are not Peckoltias. They are in the Ancistrus genus. However, Jason is correct in that many Peckoltia cats remain small. They are also (usually) pretty fair algae eaters. The candy stripe pleco is one, the butterfly pleco, etc.

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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."