A new pleco for my tank.

B-2 · Post by **B-2** » 14 Dec 2005, 20:58

I am hoping to buy some more fish for my 50 gallon aquarium this weekend. I was thinking of buying a rubber lip pleco. I have the correct water conditions (74 degree, well oxygenated water). However, I have a 7 inch pleco in my aquarium and last time I added a 4 inch long bottom-dweller (striped raphael cat), my pleco chased him for a few weeks. After a month my pleco calmed down and left my little brother's Ralph alone. I am not sure if my pleco will be territorial toward a 3 inch long new pleco. My pleco is some Hypostomus species and he never minds new cory cats, loaches, or other fish. Would he bother another species of pleco? I do have more caves and hiding places than before so will that help? Also, should I buy more than one rubber lip pleco or will they fight together? I have heard they get only 4 inches long, but is this true? What other types of commonly found plecos are there that stay under 5 inches long?

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 15 Dec 2005, 09:46

This probably should go in the Loricariidae section, but here goes:

Pleco's in general are territorial towards "conspecifics", meaning "of similar specie". I would think that your Hypostomus would be territorial towards a Chaetostoma specie.

What size is the "old" tank, as I'm presuming you're keeping that as well? Maybe the Chaetostoma can go in that tank.

Also, I wouldn't put a Chaetostoma in a newly set up tank, wait at least 6-8 weeks, but more is better...

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Mats

B-2 · Post by **B-2** » 15 Dec 2005, 20:53

What old tank?

I only have one 50 gallon aquarium and a barrel with 2 goldfish. Sorry if I confused you.

I have had my 50 gallon running for over 2 years so I don't have to worry about the 6-8 week rule. The only reason I'm getting new fish is that I just want more fish. I was hoping to get some more peppered cories because currently I have one female and 3 males. I was going to add a few Brochis splendens so the 2 I have now will be in a larger group. Maybe I should get the plecos and if it doesn't work out I can bring them back.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 16 Dec 2005, 10:23

Doh! I thought the 50g was a new tank - don't know where I got that idea from.

But like me (and Bronzefry) said about Chaetostoma and goldfish in another thread - they like strong currents, which I think isn't exactly ideal conditions for goldfish. One will be happy where the other one isn't.

See the last couple of posts in this thread:
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... hp?t=13826

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Mats

A new pleco for my tank.

A new pleco for my tank.

Huh?