Small Plecos..?

[red-tiger]

Hello All! I am new to fish forums, however I was wondering if anyone could help me find a correct fish for my tank.
I have a 30 litre tank which currently stocks 6 x neon tetras and 3 x Zebra danios,
I was thinking of getting a small pleco for my tank, but not one that can grow too large as it will be too over-stocked in my tank and I don't have the space or money to buy a much larger tank so need a pleco that won't grow much larger than 3 inches!
I have looked on line at different species of pleco, however I have found that most are quite rare to get, grow to large or live better in groups.
I don't have the space to get too many plecos, so preferably a solitary one would be best. I have looked at zebra plecos, however they are very rare to find in pet shops and are very expensive to buy.

Any help and advice would be appreciated!

Thank you!

P.s. here is a youtube link to a video of my tank as this may help with suggestions! - http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGT5UBgolow&feature=plcp

 

[fishprotector]

Your tank is roo small for any kind of plec as even the smallest will produce too much waste and outgrow a 30l. I would also say that it is already overstocked. Finally, Zebra Danios are very fast swimming fish which need at least 3 foot of tank, preferably with fast current and cooler temperatures.

 

[red-tiger]

Your tank is roo small for any kind of plec as even the smallest will produce too much waste and outgrow a 30l. I would also say that it is already overstocked. Finally, Zebra Danios are very fast swimming fish which need at least 3 foot of tank, preferably with fast current and cooler temperatures.

ah okay thanks for the advice
yeah I wouldn't want to get any more zebra danios as they seem happy together in that tank and have enough space to swim around, they are very playful!
I just thought it be worth asking as plecos are very good for getting rid off algae, however I wouldn't want to over stock the tank any more!

 

[fishprotector]

Some red cherry shrimp or zebra nerite snails would work instead

 

[red-tiger]

Some red cherry shrimp or zebra nerite snails would work instead

Thank you! I will look into them two species
Would the fish not try to eat the shrimp?

 

[fishprotector]

They might try and eat any shrimplets which are ultimately created, but the adcults should be ok. Give the. Some moss and bogwood to hide amongst.

 

[red-tiger]

They might try and eat any shrimplets which are ultimately created, but the adcults should be ok. Give the. Some moss and bogwood to hide amongst.

Thank you for the advice!
I will have a look into these shrimp species, the snails also look like a good alternative as they are a non-pest species unlike most snails.

 

[fishprotector]

in the past, I have found that nerite snails will eat algae off the glass, whereas red cherry shrimp will pick it off objects in the tank.

 

[red-tiger]

in the past, I have found that nerite snails will eat algae off the glass, whereas red cherry shrimp will pick it off objects in the tank.

The snails may be a better alternative as I find I mainly get algae on the glass,
A pet shop near me sales them so I may have a look Thank you!

 

[bmonki]

i was gonna suggest a clown pleco... but considering you want it to eat algae theres no point lol - clowns literally hide and eat wood. thats IT!

 

[LucyB]

hmm... what about some oto catfish? They only grow to a couple of cm and will eat any algae that is there

 

[red-tiger]

hmm... what about some oto catfish? They only grow to a couple of cm and will eat any algae that is there

I was looking at otos however, they need to live in groups apparently and I don't really have the space to have more than one as my tank would be too overstocked
Thanks for the advice though!

 

[fishprotector]

i was gonna suggest a clown pleco... but considering you want it to eat algae theres no point lol - clowns literally hide and eat wood. thats IT!

Plus they grow too large and will produce too much waste for a 30l tank.

hmm... what about some oto catfish? They only grow to a couple of cm and will eat any algae that is there

Ottos are a social fish which do better with at least another 5 of their own kind but preferably more. 30l would not be big enough for them. Again, tank not big enough.

 

[Missing Score]

I will absolutely agree that it's certainly ill advised for newcomers to overstock their tanks, but with a lot of filtration and dutiful maintenance it's possible to sustain healthy fish in a slightly overstocked environment. It's going to vary and I think the "rules" aren't as steadfast as some might have you believe. It's also harder to maintain water quality in smaller tanks so of course they're going to be more susceptible to water quality issues on that front. I'm not contradicting fishprotector because he/she is pretty much spot on saying the tank is sadly probably on the small. Just alternative thinking with regards to what is possible.

Try not to be too disheartened by being told your tank is too small for plecos because plecos are really cool and I salute your interest in them. It can be a little jarring to be told your setup isn't suitable, I know--so my advice is to keep the above in mind and maintain good filtration and regular water changes and even if somewhat overstocked your fish should flourish! <3

Keep in mind a bigger tank so you can maybe get the plecos you want in the future? ;D

p.s. one of those cool magnet algae cleaners is a waaaay more targeted and efficient way to keep at least the front panel of glass clean from algae than relying on a pleco!