armadillo

I have had to separate my fish recently and now the 3 common plecos live in a 72L (15G?). Still too small, but am on the case. I was thinking of leaving one common pleco in that tank, + a couple other fish. The question is: what type of fish would make good companions to a common pleco?

Sabi

i think common plecos will live with most fish as they keep very much to them selves, even v. small fish. I've guppys, mollys, tetras, angels, etc,etc and they all get on well.
BTW, from what i can make out, your tanks a 19gal, thanks to Fishlores 'Aquarium calculator'.

armadillo

Ooooh, you're right. It is 19 US Gallons. Great thanks, you've just made me gain a few again!

Luniyn

Just wanted to mention if you didn't already know, plecos will not tolerate any salt to their water. They will work well with most fish as mentioned, but make sure you don't pair them with a fish that you plan to use salt with. Just wanted to be sure to mention that, if you knew already then ignore this post

Sabi

Wait...i'm lost....

Why cant the plecos tolerate salt to their water?

Luniyn

A good deal of catfish that were born to freshwater areas are salt intolerant especially the scaleless one's (the salt can actually burn their skin). The pleco being scaleless is one that will not do well at all with any salt in the tank. Otocinclus (oto's) also do not do well with salt in their tank generally. Corydoras catfish also have a low tolerance to salt, however, they can take a small amount in the tank (we are talking 0.5% max really, lower if possible if you are keeping them with fish that like salt like livebearers).

Sabi

I don't usually put salt in my tank, except recently i had a dip of ick and had to add salt with the medcn. Lukily he managed as i put quite a bit!!

vin

any peaceful fish would match up well with your pleco.

armadillo

Thanks for that, Lunyin. That was indeed one of the factors. A fish which does not require any amounts of salt would be ideal.