Bottom Feeder

[steven_yyz]

What is the best kind of bottom feeder to get? Just want some information for when I decide to buy one.

steven_yyz

 

[jaywings19]

Tank size plays a big role in deciding what bottom feeder you can get. Generally speaking, Corydoras (Corys) are the best ones to get since they all remain small and are quite active/playful. Plecostomus (Plecos) can get quite large and have a reputation of being messy. There are others, but would help to know your tank size and water parameters.

 

[steven_yyz]

Hi,

I have a 20 gallon tank.

What do you mean they are known for being messy?

I think a cory is the way to go. Do they get along with all the other fish?

steven_yyz

 

[jaywings19]

Hi,

I have a 20 gallon tank.

What do you mean they are known for being messy?

I think a cory is the way to go. Do they get along with all the other fish?

steven_yyz

By "messy" I mean that Plecos have a reputation about pooping all over the place.

Corys are the way to go probably in your situation. But keep in mind that you need to keep at least 3 of them together since they are a schooling fish. Yes, they get along with most every fish.

 

[steven_yyz]

Thanks for the help. How many was my next question.

So I guess I need to get three....

Thanks.

steven_yyz

 

[jaywings19]

Thanks for the help. How many was my next question.

So I guess I need to get three....

Thanks.

steven_yyz

Yes, 3 would be the minimum number I would get. Some people prefer to have 5 or 6, but I have been successful with my 3 corys.

 

[Captain Canuck]

What do you mean they are known for being messy?

Here is the link to a thread all about pleco poo.
Enjoy.

Pleco Poo thread

 

[Nina7777]

Hey,
I think Cory's are good choices, as the are small and cute and eat a ton, but I would also recommend Clown Loaches. you can buy them small and they will eat every last peice of food that drops to the bottom of the tank. I prefer them to cory's as they are more attractive colors. The only thing is they are very susceptible to Ich. I have read this everywhere as well as have had people tell me this, but i have had mine for quit sometime and thankfully, so outbreaks of ich yet! KNOCK on WOOD

 

[jaywings19]

Hey,
I think Cory's are good choices, as the are small and cute and eat a ton, but I would also recommend Clown Loaches. you can buy them small and they will eat every last peice of food that drops to the bottom of the tank. I prefer them to cory's as they are more attractive colors. The only thing is they are very susceptible to Ich. I have read this everywhere as well as have had people tell me this, but i have had mine for quit sometime and thankfully, so outbreaks of ich yet! KNOCK on WOOD

Clown Loaches grow up to be 8-11" big... probably not suitable for the 20G tank he has considering you would need to get a few Clown Loaches.

Corys seem more suitable since he can have a small group without overcrowding his tank.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

What do you mean they are known for being messy?

Here is the link to a thread all about pleco poo.
Enjoy.

Pleco Poo thread

My plecs never have lots of poo. Maybe it's because they are small? Commons get so big, maybe it's relative to size?

My plecs are not like that at all.

 

[Mustang5L5]

My Pleco is only about 3" long and he poops all over the place. He's the main reason i need to clean it so much. That and he has a habit of uprooting my plants and also when he flaps his tail around he flushes a lot of his poop up into the water column.

Plus my convicts don't like him. I'm looking to unload him to someone local if they want a small 3" common plec.

If i had to do it all over again, i would have never gotten one and just stuck with ottos instead. I have three ottos and they are a great addition to the tank. They poop very little, get very active, shoal together and they look cool perched on some of my plants on their ventrical fins.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi steven_yyz

You won't go wrong with cory cats.

They are cute and funny and just about perfect citizens in anyone's community tank.

Here's a link that shows all the possibilities:

http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/calli...ra/g_thumbs.htm

 

[steven_yyz]

Great thanks!

steven_yyz