lnhop

I've been searching for my first pleco and after visiting 7 stores, finally hit the "pleco" jackpot. Now I have more options than I know what to do with. Many of these I'm not all that familiar with and was hoping to get advice on which one would be best for my tank.

My Setup:
Newly cycled 75 gallon tank with 350 GPH canister filter. Lots of light, moonlight bulbs, live plants, and driftwood. Currently stocked with 3 emerald cats and 6 black neons. Eventually hope to add rainbows. pH to stay between 7.6 - 7.8 for this reason.

My criteria (in order of importance):
- Appropriate for the tank setup. Nothing too large or producing too much waste.
- Gets along well with tankmates
- Ocassionaly active, even if only at night
- Attractiveness or uniqueness
- Eats some algae (mainly on the driftwood)
- Cost

My Options:
- Gold Stripe Panaque (LDA01)
- Pseudo Zebra
- Royal (L027)
- Schneeball (L033)
- Emperor or Flash (L204)
- Leopard Frog (L134)
- Peppermint (L030)
- Blue Phantom (L128)
- Gold Nugget
- Clown
- Long Fin Bristlenose (both albino and regular colors)

Any thoughts on which one might be best? Any feedback on personal experience with some of the lesser known varieties is much appreciated. Thanks, Laura

Amanda

I have a clown pleco, they're very unique looking. He has a lot of personality when ever he is active.

Toddnbecka

If you want a pleco to keep the tank spotless (regarding algae/diatoms) a BN is the best one for that purpose. If you want an easy to breed pleco, again the BN is the best choice, and a 75 is large enough to successfully maintain 2 breeding pairs.
The Panaque genus in general, as well as L204 and the clown pleco are aquatic termites. They NEED driftwood in the tank or they will die. They actually rasp it off, and like termites the bacteria in their gut helps digest it.
I'm not an expert on pleco's, so I'd recommend you check out planetcatfish.com for more specific info on your other potential candidates. Diet is variable among different types, some do well on high-protein diets while others bloat on the same menu. Don't be overly concerned about pH or hardness for most species, and if in doubt post a specific question. Another good resource is plecofanatics.com, they're main focus is more specific, and it's a good place for a quick response to specific questions from folks with personal experience.

agabr123

just based on looks (and that it's one on your list) i'd definitely choose the gold nugget pleco, i LOVE the way they look! unfortunately they're a bit out of my price range

a lot of the more exotic/rare types of plecos can get VERY expensive, so i'd check on drsfostersmith.com or something to see what the price ranges are.

also, bristlenose plecos probably wouldn't DIE without driftwood, but i'd definitely put it in anyways

Toddnbecka

Gold nuggets are notorious for dying when brought home, mainly due to shipping stress and lack of food between being collected and their arrival at the LFS. Too often the bacteria in their gut necessary for digestion dies off, and then the pleco does too.
I didn't say/mean that BN's need driftwood. In any case it sounds like the tank already contains some.

agabr123

that's unfortunate...i love the way they look

i know you didn't, i was saying that in addition to the pleco that you mentioned, the bristlenoses need it too

Toddnbecka

BN's don't need driftwood. I have one in my 55 with African cichlids and rocks, no driftwood in that tank for more years than the 2 the BN has been there, and he's just fine. He does get the occaisonal slice of yam or blanched veggies though.

agabr123

hmm, thats interesting, i've always heard that they do but i guess not