Im Lost, But You Can Help !

[Infidel_Uk]

i know i have already asked on the plec section BUT im guessing there will be more people on this section that might be able to help...

is it possible to add a plec to a brackish tank ? one thats not gonna get huge and one thats not *boring* to look at ?

please help me , because i have no idea if its an option open to me , or not ?

many thanks

 

[nmonks]

The short answer is no. While there are loricariid catfish that occur in (slightly) brackish water habitats, species such as Hypostomus watwata, these are not normally traded. Admittedly, there are feral populations of Hypostomus plecostomus and various Pterygoblichthys in slightly brackish water parts of Florida, but these are tolerating such conditions rather than adapted to them. You might maintain them in (large) brackish water systems at low salinities (say, 1.003 at 25 degrees C) but why bother?

If algae control is an issue, then nerite snails are infinitely better animals in this regard. There are numerous species traded, some of which are really brackish water animals despite being sold as freshwater snails. My Brackish Water FAQ lists the suitable species and their general requirements. At higher salinities, blue-legged hermit crabs as well as the saltwater nerites become an option. Finally, various killifish and all mollies view algae as food, and will be much healthier if allowed to graze at their leisure.

Cheers, Neale

 

[Infidel_Uk]

thanks fella ! , im off to look at the snails now, see what's what , very helpful indeed !

 

[Infidel_Uk]

after looking into various types of snails , i have to agree that is the way to go , and to be honest , suits me fine !

thank you