Another Pleco?

[Comacchio]

Hi folks,

Just looking for some advice.. Recently I've been really wanting another pleco to join my current 2 bristlenoses.. I've settled on either an L-46 or an L200..

My tank is 200L (100cm *40 cm *50cm high) and filtered via a fluval 205, 206 and U4 (So pretty well filtered!) and it's current inhabitants are as follows:

6 Keyhole Cichlids (2 adult, 4 juvie)
1 Geophagus Redhead Tapajos
15 Rummynose Tetra
2 Harlequin Rasbora (Last of the 10 I got when I set the tank up, wont be replacing these after these 2 go)
1 Albino BN
1 BN
5 Peppered Corys
4 Ottos
2 African Dwarf Frogs
1 Golden Apple Snail
3 Platys (Getting re-homed)
2 Plakat bettas (Getting re-homed also)

So as I already know I'm approaching the limits of the tank, even though I'm well filtered, I really do want another 'special' pleco..My current maintenance is clean 1 filter per week plus 2 30% WC per week.

Gratuitous pics of my BNs..


Albert by Allan.Jones, on Flickr


George by Allan.Jones, on Flickr

 

[Xraymark]

Those plecs are lovely. Sorry that doesn't answer your question.

 

[scatz]

Dont put an L046 in a community tank, they dont compete for food with any other fish, they will literally starve to death before challenging others for food, it could be a quick way to lose £100 odd

 

[xingumike]

hello mate, good to see you in here

As Scatz said, don't bother with L46 in a community tank, plus they are expensive.

L200 hi fin (Baryancistrus demantoides) would work, prettier than the Lo-fin (Hemiancistrus subviridis) and smaller as well.

It may be easier to find out what your local shop can get you and go from there.

 

[IanS]

What about a L187b rubbernosed plec (Chaetostoma milesi) just bought 2 of these at the weekend for the pricely sum of £8 for the 2 from P@H in Aberdeen
Supposed to grow between 4 to 6 inches, very nice little plec not shy at all

Ian

http/www.planetcatfish.com/forum/download/file.php?id=2777&sid=b4493b6eb7ea5e222c711ae59b43cf35&mode=view

 

[xingumike]

^ they like the colder end of the scale but it has been done before

 

[Comacchio]

Was looking for something a bit pricier and striking, but ta for the suggestion!

 

[scatz]

Was looking for something a bit pricier and striking, but ta for the suggestion!

maybe L134? these are very striking fish but a lot cheaper and easier to keep than L046

 

[snowflake311]

I would not add another Pleco to your stock.

The red head geo is going to Get big. I hope you re going to rehome some keyholes because that's a lot.

I guess you could fit another Pleco. If it was miy tank I would not do it.

 

[Comacchio]

Went to the Maidenehead Aquatics in Glasgow yesterday to see what I could get - Lots of L081s and L18s (Not sure of the difference between these 2?) and plenty of L200s, but no L200a. Asked if they could order me in some L200a (Hi fin green phantom) - said they would do their best and give me a call.

So it's the waiting game now!

I don't really see an issue with 6 Keyholes. They are all very placid and at times get bullied round the tank by Platys! The Geophagus might need to get moved on at some point, but he/she is fine for now.

 

[Comacchio]

Well... Decided I preferred the L200.. Bought one on Saturday!

He/she seems to be fitting in ok so far - no fighting between the BNs or it so far. I'll get some pics up soon.

 

[xingumike]

Nice mate, Hemi or Bary?

 

[Comacchio]

Nice mate, Hemi or Bary?

Hemi. Didnt have any Bary or idea of availability of one so took the plunge. £45!

 

[xingumike]

Sweet, what size is it?

 

[Comacchio]

Sweet, what size is it?

It's roughly 4 inches nose to tail I'd say. A bit smaller than my largest BN