Which Plec

russell · Post by **russell** » 23 Feb 2007, 21:03

Hi All
Having retired from Breeding Discus I now enjoy my Display tank housing 5 Discus & 1 Ancistrus Lda08. Heavily planted running Co2 Ph 6.8.
The tank is in a Sun Room so recieves a good amount of all day sun. plants growing well but I am getting some Algea on the back wall. maily where the sun hits it,
Am looking for advice on a good Plec /Pair to help keep it down. small species about 4 inch & not a Plant devourer. have seen some L270 and wonderd if these would do the job? any advice welcome

kcmt01 · Post by **kcmt01** » 23 Feb 2007, 22:48

Off hand, the only pleco I can think of that will eat algae but not plants is Otocinclus. You'll need a bunch, though, because a 1.5 inch Oto is a real lunker.

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 24 Feb 2007, 01:09

Hi Russell,
In the end I think limiting the amount of sunlight striking the tank will be your only solution.

Depending on the season and nutrient availability greenwater could be just a step away.

Best harmless algae eating pleco is likely to be Ancistrus sp (3). Otocinclus are good as supplemental alagae eaters especially from plant leaves that are too delicate to support the weight of a bushynose.

Perhaps you could sheild the sides and back and only use the artificial lighting in the evening. Sounds like if you did that that the ambient light should support the plants without uncontrolled algae growth.

Just some thoughts to consider if they have any merit.

As one discus breeder to another I think you are just taking a break. It never leaves your blood. One day you come across a discus that you can't live without.

I have retired many time since 1969 but I'm back at it again. Bad as cigarettes.

russell · Post by **russell** » 24 Feb 2007, 09:48

Hi Larry
Afraid it's a case of been there, done it, got the T shirt. At 67 and having been into Discus since the mid 50's ( 50 years ) it's time to settle back and enjoy!!!!
I was thinking of some more Ancistus but then got distracted by some nice Zebra plec's. have to have a rethink.
Best regards.

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 24 Feb 2007, 17:20

Hi Russell,

I actually understand. I have been involved with discus breeding for 40 years and have taken several breaks during that time where I had no discus.

I am currently working with Heckels and have helped establish what we call the Heckel Projectt on http://www.simplydiscus.com to try to solve the problem of captive breeding Heckels.

I became very interested in the small fancy plecos this past year and dove in and now have about 8 or 9 species.
I like the fact that they take care of their young so long like discus.

Zebras would be great additions but as you are aware they don't eat algae. I see no reasons why both can't live together except for breeding.

russell · Post by **russell** » 24 Feb 2007, 19:56

Hi Larry. Snap!!! I too belong to Simply Discus also UKDA & DPH. if you are into Heckles you must know Tony Vaughn Lives down the road from me, Small world.
Keep in touch
Reghards

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 27 Feb 2007, 03:41

Hi Russell,
I don't know your friend by name but might recognize his screen name.
I am the guy with Brewmaster15's help and that of Salvo Tratore who started "The Heckel Project" on simplydiscus recently. It is about time we crack the Heckel's code and begin breeding them in captivity.
I still raise a few domesticated strains for a little cash flow but I have always had a soft spot for Heckels. They don't look enough like a filled gumball machine for a lot of people but they are a beautiful fish and an enormous challenge for discus breeders.

russell · Post by **russell** » 27 Feb 2007, 16:21

Hi Larry.
I know Salvo & Brew from other forums and glad that someone agrees with us, I advocated a long time ago that the wilds were becomeing a thing of the past. it seems to me that the Discus is becomeing more & more un Discus like, you can get them to match your wallpaper!!!!!
I have tried on & off since the late 50's but no success, info has been scarce. let's hope someone cracks it and they re establish themselves as the true King of the Discus.

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 27 Feb 2007, 17:09

Well that is my idea behind creating "The Heckel Project" Many contemporary discus keepers can't understand what makes Heckels special. There are after all much more colorful wilds and domestics.
Fortunately enough do appreciate them and this is the first organized attempt to solve the captive breeding challenge of Heckels I am aware of.

There has been a resurgence in interest in wild discus as more aquarists become more sophisticated. They aren't for everyone. Yet they still have much to learn. Discus breeders such as us have already been through the hey days of the wilds in the past and came to understand them well. Now, a new generation is reinventing the wheel, often ignorant of what has already been learned, usually the hard way.

I for one, have become very discouraged over the focus to create bizzarely colored and shaped discus. If that is what one wants then one might as well keep goldfish. For whatever reasons, the Asian discus factories glorify these bizzare breeds and we buy them hook,line, sinker and hormones all.
Russell, in the interest and respect for pc let's take our discus discussion to http://www.simplydiscus.com
See you there.
Larry

Which Plec

Which Plec

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Heckles