Uh-oh, I Think I'm Stocked Up

[Sheridanp]

That's good and all, but I have schooling fish. I only have two lemon tetras and two black ruby barbs as you can see in my sig. So, do I just never buy fish again?(until they pass on of course)

 

[mark.w.jones]

That's good and all, but I have schooling fish. I only have two lemon tetras and two black ruby barbs as you can see in my sig. So, do I just never buy fish again?(until they pass on of course)

US or UK gallons?

 

[Bloo]

What type of algae eater exactly do you have in there ?

 

[Sheridanp]

It's 29 US gallons I believe. I'm not sure what type algae, but I think it grows to 5". It's 3" right now.

 

[Bloo]

Ah well knowing exactly what algae eater you have is the key to your original question I'm afraid.
Can you describe it to us ? Or do you have a photo of it (even if it's a bad one) ?
Failing that, does it look like any of these (just do a google image search) :

Chinese Algae Eater
Ancistrus
Otcinclus
Common Pleco
Hillstream Loach

 

[Sheridanp]

I'm almost sure it's the common pleco. He only comes out at night, so it's hard to get a pic.

 

[Bloo]

you really need to check. If it's a common - you could be looking at a 12 incher (the least) or even up to 20" (really bad news) - and big problems as it will certainly outgrow your 29 gallon.

More info about the different types of common plecos. Keep in mind those ones in the pics are adults and look a bit different to what a juvenile would look like.

 

[Sheridanp]

That's a nasty size. Anyway, I will take a picture asap.

 

[Sheridanp]

I have two pictures!

 

[OohFeeshy]

The pleco's the only real problem, the rest of the fish are very low waste producers. Depending on the size of your filter, you should easily be able to have 6 of all the tetras and 6 cories. The pleco is only a baby for now, so you've got a fair while to decide whether to keep him and upgrade or find him another home.

 

[Sheridanp]

Oh damn. I guess he's a goner. I hope the LFS will take him soon.

 

[Bloo]

Yep I'm afraid that's a common A no-no for the size tank you currently have and a massive waste producer. If you want some cute algae eaters that stay nice and small, get 3 oto's (otocinclus) They're only about £1.75 each here in London.

The sooner you rehome you pleco or see if the shop will have him back, the better. The larger that fish gets, the more difficult it becomes to rehome him.

 

[Sheridanp]

Thanks. My mom says, "We'll deal with it when it get's big". She has no idea, and really does not understand. And, getting rid of this is really nice because I can school my cories and lemon tetras.

 

[Bloo]

Tell your mom that while it grows, it's producing a lot of waste for your other fish to live with and you're stunting it's growth with damage to internal organs. And that's the reality

That's not fair on your other fish

Best of luck convincing your mom - if that doesn't help, come and show her the website.

Good luck

 

[wendywc]

Thanks. My mom says, "We'll deal with it when it get's big". She has no idea, and really does not understand. And, getting rid of this is really nice because I can school my cories and lemon tetras.

^^^ That's definately the best reason to take it back to the LFS. Good luck on doing it.