This Makes The 2nd Dead Plecostomus In My Tank

[K3lly]

I have a ten gallon tank, 3 male fancy tail guppies, one big Momma Molly, and about 20 Molly fry.
I am trying to find new homes for the fry, but am not having very good lucjk with that. ANYWAYS!
I have purchased 2 plecostomus, and this morning I found the 2nd DEAD! I was running very late
for work, and mentioned to the DH to net him out of there, well, being the man he is, he forgot to do it.
When I get home from work, the only evidence that there was even a plecostomus in that tank was his
spine, and part of his little face. Everyone in the tank ate on him.

But I am really curious as to why you might think this is the 2nd plecostomus that I have had die on me.
Nothing new in the tank, I'm just confused, and sad!!

Any ideas, or suggestions?

 

[drobbyb]

What kind of pleco are you adding to a 10 gallon tank? I would think that the tank is too small for any pleco, even bristlenose ones seeing as they reach 4 1/2 inches in length when adult, and not to mention that pleco's are heavy waste producers.

 

[Haych]

age of tank?

but, usually 2 plecs will fight, if you have a large enough tank with lots of hidey holes, there usually isnt a prob unless the paths cross, but your tank just may not have been able to house both plecs ad fought to the death

 

[K3lly]

age of tank?

but, usually 2 plecs will fight, if you have a large enough tank with lots of hidey holes, there usually isnt a prob unless the paths cross, but your tank just may not have been able to house both plecs ad fought to the death

The tank is about a year old, I would guess about 14 months.

And I apologize, I should have been more specific.
I did not mean that I bought 2 at the same time. I had one, the smallest one I could find at my LFS, I don't remember what type. He lived about 10 days. Than a couple weeks ago my brother bought me another one, he died the other day. I'm really starting to think that my fish just don't like the look of 'em, and they all go on a homicidal fit, and kill and eat them!

I really need to upgrade anyways, since I can not find homes for these fry. My brother (( who lives with me)) has a nice 15 gal, which homed 2 lonely guppies, so he took a few of the fry. I refuse to sacrifice them to the porcelain gods,((which someone seriously suggested to me.... I asked them if they would feed there baby to a bear..... for comparison!!)) so I would like to get a nice 30 gal, or larger!! And this gives me the perfect reason/excuse to do it!

 

[Haych]

ah, beg your pardon.

i dont know then. whats the water conditions like? are they eating? what do you feed the plecs?

what other fish do you have?

and what fry?

 

[Curiosity101]

Is the tank cycled?
Even with the guppys, molly and fry I reckon you're very overstocked (2x the recommended level). Nevermind adding a plec to it, therefore this is what I think the problem is.

You're adding a pleco, this is causing an ammonia spike, and the pleco is the one that is being affected first.

Also never buy a pleco without knowing exactly what you want before you go. Chances are you will have bought a common pleco (they grow upwards of 20" long!). They don't stay small, so don't buy them just cause they are small in the shop.

If you do get a 30gal then there are plenty of plecos you could get. See 30 Plecos 8" or Under, for an average 30gal you want to be aiming for one that maxes out at 4.5" or below (ish)

 

[K3lly]

Is the tank cycled?
Even with the guppys, molly and fry I reckon you're very overstocked (2x the recommended level). Nevermind adding a plec to it, therefore this is what I think the problem is.

You're adding a pleco, this is causing an ammonia spike, and the pleco is the one that is being affected first.

Also never buy a pleco without knowing exactly what you want before you go. Chances are you will have bought a common pleco (they grow upwards of 20" long!). They don't stay small, so don't buy them just cause they are small in the shop.

If you do get a 30gal then there are plenty of plecos you could get. See 30 Plecos 8" or Under, for an average 30gal you want to be aiming for one that maxes out at 4.5" or below (ish)

Believe me I know that my tank is overstocked..... what do you suggest I do with my fry? Flush 'em!? I think not.
Its not like the LFS does pregnancy test on fish at the check out lane, I didn't want this to happen, I was actually hoping they would get eaten, but since they have not.... I am trying to find other homes for them!!..... I started out 3 guppies, and 2 mollies. Now I only have 1 adult Molly, bcs she killed my other one! My brother comes home with a pleco in a bag for my tank...... what do you suggest I do with it also?

And as far as not knowing what type of pleco to purchase, well, the 1st time I bought the pleco myself, I told the lady at the LFS what I had, and she pointed me in a direction..... she said the one I bought will not get too big, but I would want to up grade to a larger tank fairly soon.... a few days later he was dead. ((this one was before the fry))

ah, beg your pardon.

i dont know then. whats the water conditions like? are they eating? what do you feed the plecs?

what other fish do you have?

and what fry?

The water is fine, the tank needs a little more attention due to the fry, but other wise in good condition.
Everyone is eating, and swimming chasing/playing.

I have Algae discs for the pleco.

I have 3 fancy tail guppies, all male.
One female Molly, which came home pregnant, hence the fry.

 

[Curiosity101]

I suggest you advertise them on here and give them away for free. When I had molly fry as soon as I advertised them as free I had re-home 30 in one day... it's not hard to re-home fish. You can also ask local shops if they will take them for you.

And local fish shops are notoriously bad with their advice. Hence why I said YOU should know what YOU want before you go. The lady will unknowingly have pointed you towards a small pleco, knowing it will grow, but not knowing exactly how big and therefore exactly how bad her suggestion was. There are no plecs suitable for your sized tank.

When people bring fish home that are unsuitable, you say 'I really appreciate it but it's really not suitable for my tank. If I put it in there it's likely to die...I think we should take it back'
I'd rather slightly hurt someones feelings than cause the death of a fish.

 

[Tolak]

First, fill this out to help us help you;

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Second, if you are having problems with plecs from the same shop it may be bad stock, or they are having a problem. Various situations can occur when they get fish in, and their setup may come into play as well.

Third, if you are having a hard time finding a home for fish contact a local club; http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showforum=143

I can't count the times my club has gotten a call for rehoming fish, often at short notice, as well as a large quantity. Clubs are prepared for situations well beyond yours, I could have 300 gallons of tank space ready by this afternoon if needed. I'm just one guy, I could name several others withing a short drive who could do the same. Getting a 20, 29, or 40 ready takes a few minutes, about the time needed to net a few fish & change out water.