Newbie stocking question

[Sorg67]

Hi, I am setting up my first tank. Well first tank in 40 years. I am working on selecting a suitable bottom feeder. I am currently thinking a small pleco of some kind.

I am in the process of a fishless cycle of a 40 gallon breeder. I am planning a heavily planted tank with a school of 20 tetras (currently leaning toward Cardinals), four larger fish (perhaps Gouramis) and six bottom feeders.

I was originally drawn to Cories, but I learned that they like to sift sand and a substrate of sand or fine round gravel is recommended. I have Caribsea Eco-Complete which is neither fine nor round therefore it seems not optimal for Cories.

I was next drawn to Otos, but I learned that they are very picky about their food and my tank should be well established before adding Otos.

I am now thinking of Plecos. They seem hardy and tolerant of a variety of substrates. But I know that many Plecos get very big. I am looking for a small Pleco that will stay small and be suitable for my tank plan.

I welcome all comments, including suggestions for something other than a Pleco. I am a newbie and I am trying to get educated. Looking for an easy low maintenance first tank. I am very excited and I think I will end up with multiple tanks, but I want to start easy. I do not want my hobby to become a chore. I am hoping that weekly 25% water changes will suffice to keep the tank healthy. I would like something that will not be a disaster if I get busy or am out of town and skip a week.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[bekateen]

Hi Sorg67,

Welcome to Planetcatfish.

To answer your question, a common bristlenose plecos (

Ancistrus cf_cirrhosus

reach about 5-6" body length. Clown plecos

L448

or

Panaqolus maccus

reach about 3". Both could go in your tank, although there are at least two consequences: (1) in general, plecos poop a lot. (2) they will hide most of the time; you may see them rarely.

Cheers, Eric