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The only fish I've bred before are Cutteri Cichlids which I didn't even attempt to breed. Setting up a 20 gallon tall (24"L X 12"W X 16"H) and am really wanting to breed plecos in it. I'm not in this for money by any means but it'd be nice to breed some type that I can sell for a few cents or dollars (not like those cichlids which I had to beg people to TAKE!!!). I'm thinking common bristlnose since there are so many awesome different color strains but wanted to know if there were any other very easy to breed ones. So what do you guys think, Ancistrus or another kind? Also, when breeding plecos should I have substrate in the tank or not?

BNs are about the easiest pleco to breed, and a good place to start. All you will need is clean water, food, and a cave or hiding place for each adult male. I breed 5 or 6 different species of plecos, and my tanks are split 50/50 with bare bottom and those with substrata. Your preference. There are pluses and minus' to each. If you check AB, right now BNs seem to be the only plecos that are selling. Maybe it has to do with the economy, but I had a difficult time selling some L400 fry just a while back. Good luck.

Thanks! I'll probably do either sand or gravel as substrate then. I think I'm going to do 1 make and either 2 or 3 females and possibly try to breed some type of smaller livebearer at the top level of the tank as well.

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Everything Fish wrote:Thanks! I'll probably do either sand or gravel as substrate then. I think I'm going to do 1 make and either 2 or 3 females and possibly try to breed some type of smaller livebearer at the top level of the tank as well.

That is way too small for a couple adult bristlenose. I shall explain, surface area is always the most important thing so a tall tank is a waste. I would pick up a 20 long even better a 40 breeder. If you keep your 20t I would not get standards or albinos since they get about 5 inches. I would get either a pair of green dragons or super reds as they reach about 3-3.5 mature. Also do not get more than a male and female pair because that would over stock your tank.

I dont think a 24x12" is too small for a pair of adult bristlenose. In fact this is the smallest tank i think should ever be used as the male can get a bit too territorial in anything smaller.

I have raised hundreds of young BN in this size without issue

A agree with Richard, I've been breeding a group of 6 L199 (2 males) and 4 L279 (1 Male) in a 15 gallon 12x24 for well over a year with no issues. The tank is pare bottom with 4 caves and a gnarly piece of driftwood. The Tank is also loaded with fry from both species. Of course I do 50% water changes 2-3 times a week. I know this is really a less than ideal setup but wanted to say that with proper care it can be done.

Ok so I'll forget the livebearers then. I'll just do a male and two females and keep up on water changes, I'll upgrade if I see any territory issues but I'm using a 20 tall since I got it for free off a friend. Thanks for the help guys! I'd love to breed super red or green dragon but around me there's a very low demand and people don't want to pay more for cooler fish which is why I'm doing common browns.

Just for info - my 24x12 has a fluval 4 internal in. Just the BN pair & fry