2foot tank big enough for Bristle nose pleco?

[1catfish]

I have a two foot tank, (62x30x30cm) and i'm really interested in plecos, i'm a huge fan of bristle nose plecos in particular. I was just wondering if my tank would be suitable, it has a sandy substrate, multiple pieces of driftwood, and is planted. I've seen they grow from 4-5inches but some people report larger. To summarize, would it be fine to keep it in my tank, id be willing to upgrade in a couple years if needed.

 

[GaryE]

This looks like a simple question, but it isn't. The number of bristlenose species (Ancistrus) is as long as your arm. So which one would you get? Sizes differ, as do needs.

Most of the smaller ones can do okay in a 24 inch tank. They're better off in a larger one, and you'd have to be willing to do the work. You'd be best to change 25% of the water weekly for that, as they are waste producers, like most herbivores.

My daughter has what's probably a gold form Ancistrus cirrhosus who runs a tank that size. He digs up plants sometimes, but he likes his cave and sits looking out over his domain. Because of his size (about 5 inches) she can't have many other fish in there. But with regular maintenance, he does well. I would never counsel a tank smaller than that, and bigger would be better.