Min Tank Size For Adult Common Pleco

[smmetz]

I have a pleco I got last year, probably a common one, perhaps a sailfin. All I know is that it is growing like crazy. I suppose I could snap some pics and count the rays in the fins, then ask what it is.

Regardless, it started out at 3.5 inches in a 29 gallon tank. It is now 8 inches long in a 55 gallon tank. I realize that I should get a bigger tank for the fish this year. However, tanks get expensive fast after 55 gallons. I do not want to buy a bigger tank only to need a bigger one still next year. I want a tank that will be large enough for a fully grown pleco.

I am starting to look at 6 foot tanks. The standard sizes are either 18 inches or 24 inches wide, front to back. Would a 6 x 1.5 foot tank be big enough for an adult pleco, or do you think I should just get a 6 X 2 foot tank?

I've read that rule of thumb that a tank should be at least 4 x 1.5 times a fish's length. Does this rule of thumb apply to plecos? I know they can grow well over a foot long, so that is why I have concerns if a tank like a 125 gallon (6 x 1.5) might not be wide enough.

Anyway, enough of my rambling, you get the idea. Please give me your opinions.

 

[jayjay]

The 6'x2' is going to be the better option.

 

[SamUK]

yea id go for the 2' wide.

a 4x2 would work if you didnt wanna spend so much to get it that wide.


i have my 13" in my 6x2 and its good to see him looking comfy. he used to be in my 80 which is 18" wide you see and the 6" really gives him alot of extra freedom.

 

[smmetz]

Yeah, that is what I was afraid of. The 180 gallon tanks (6x2) cost twice as much as the 125 and 150 gallon tanks. Also, the 125 gallon tanks are a little easier to find on Ebay. I'll just have to keep looking and saving I guess, cause I would rather spend more now then need a bigger tank again in the future for this fish.

 

[LisaLQ]

The bare minimum for a common plec would be a 4 x 18" x 18" (75g - although it's the dimensions that are important), but that would only be if your plec only got to 12" or so. If it reached the average max of 18", you'd need a min of 4 x 2 x 2. But the bigger the better. I keep two commons, a royal, a rusty and two BNs in a 6 x 2 x 2 (with other fish).

 

[smmetz]

wow, I thought I read that adult plecos can be aggressive towards eachother, so I am surprised to read that you have two commons in there which I assume are both mature (12"+).

I would only have the one common plec in the tank. (with other fish, just no other plecs) So, I'll stick with the plan to get a 180 gallon (6x2x2). If I find an good deal on ebay for a 4x2x2 tank I will consider if now that I know it might be OK for an 18 inch plec. However, I think that is a rare size, at least here in the US.

 

[LisaLQ]

Gibbies are more aggressive than commons, and some of the fancy species too. But in a 6 x 2 x 2 there's plenty of room for territories. Mine are about 9-10" and 5-6" at the moment, the biggest is quite bossy and will maybe move to a new tank when my parrots do. But I must say commons aren't always aggressive with each other - the only reason I'm considering moving this one is because he doesn't get along with my royal plec (who is smaller in length but much chunkier than him).