Bristlenose Pleco

[NeonTetraStarters]

I'm getting my Bristlenose Pleco today for the diatoms that sprouted 2 weeks ago(I was on vacation when it happened). I have a few hiding spots and a little driftwood. Is it okay to introduce it to my tank with a platy and 5 neon tetras? I'm gonna feed it algae wafers, and when it matures, carrots(Just a slice, though). And what else could I put in the tank(20g)? I was thinking a trio of pygmy corys or a dwarf gourami.

 

[Ben M]

A bn pleco will do fine in a tank that size as long as the tank is well maintained (plecos produce a lot of waste). I feed veggies daily as well as algae wafers from young, not just when they have matured. There are loads of different veggies you can feed them. Mushroom, peas, carrots and potato are good.

cheers

 

[njstockley]

as pest control says the BN would be fine in there. mine loved any kind of veg, but peas especially. as for other tank mates, why not get some more neons - the more you have the better the shoal looks!
you could get away with a dwarf gourami in there, but how about the smaller, and more docile honey gourami? they are very placid, come in striking colours, and its very interesting to watch them interact as a group.

 

[minnnt]

Size wise you should just about be ok i think. You can add a few more community fish, just be aware of the size that some of them can attain. Things such as swordtails can easily reach 5 inches, especially the females. I would go with some more tetras to help them feel happier in a larger group. Also consider that if you get another platty of the opposite sex to the one you have then you may well end up with babies quite soon! Cory's will depend on the substrate you have, sand or fine rounded gravel is preffered as to not harm the mouths as they graze. You may well be better off with dwarf pygmy cory's in the tank size you mentioned. Add around 6 as these also like to be in a group. The food you have mentioned for your BN will be fine. I tried carrot and mine never touched it, courgette is a firm favourite along with cucumber but the courgette has more nutrients available for them to feast on. Your other fish will also nibble pieces off of it. Weight it down with something, i use a fork and leave it in over night depending on what is left, maybe a day at the most.

HTH, David.