Recommendation For Buying A Pleco

[Fishmanic]

Hello fellow aqarium aficionados.   I'm new to this site and am very glad I found it.  I have a new tank that I am in the process of cycling using the method found on this message board.   I would like to eventually buy a pleco to keep any algae under control.   I have a 35 gallon tall hex tank.   I would like one Pleco that won't grow much bigger than 4 inches as I plan on stocking with about 6 other fish to make a community tank.   Can someone suggest a suitable  Pleco that would be easy to find in most large fish stores that would suit my criteria?   Thanks in advance for any suggestions.   

 

[KittyKat]

What's the width of the tank?

 

[Fishmanic]

It's a hex tank--12 inches on each side---about 22 inches across at its widest point

 

[Ninjouzata]

Have you considered snails or shrimp as a clean up crew instead? Really you shouldn't be getting much algae if any unless there is something wrong, such as having the tank lights on for too long.

 

[Fishmanic]

i do like having the lights on about 12 hours a day.   I know the last time I stocked this tank,  I did have algae forming on the glass and plants and my large pleco took care of all of it. 

 

[Ninjouzata]

I can understand that, I leave mine on for 12 hours as well. The only algae I really get is on the top of my dragon bubbler ornament's head, and I think it's cause he's so tall so the light intensity might be stronger? -shrug-
I'm not sure if you'll have enough algae that you'd need a pleco or if some snails would do the trick, but if you also just want the pleco to have it since they're so cute then I think I recommended in your other thread clown or rubberlip, they stay small

 

[KittyKat]

It's a hex tank--12 inches on each side---about 22 inches across at its widest point

 
Parotocinclus jumbo is pretty much the only commonly available pleco that I could recommend for a tank that small as they only grow to 2" SL instead of the 4"+ that most of the others reach. Yes, I do consider a 4" pleco to be too big for your tank because they can be pretty active and, in my experience, appreciate a larger tank. I think you would be able to have two P. jumbo in your tank.
 
There are a few smaller Loricariidae which I would consider as well, but they are rare enough that I have not heard of many of them being kept by someone or have other requirements such as being kept in a large group.

 

[Ninjouzata]

 

It's a hex tank--12 inches on each side---about 22 inches across at its widest point

 
Parotocinclus jumbo is pretty much the only commonly available pleco that I could recommend for a tank that small as they only grow to 2" SL instead of the 4"+ that most of the others reach. Yes, I do consider a 4" pleco to be too big for your tank because they can be pretty active and, in my experience, appreciate a larger tank. I think you would be able to have two P. jumbo in your tank.
 
There are a few smaller Loricariidae which I would consider as well, but they are rare enough that I have not heard of many of them being kept by someone or have other requirements such as being kept in a large group.
 

D'oh! I had completely forgotten about pitbull plecs (that is what it is, yes?), so glad you're around!