How long before a pleco is fully grown?

I have a pleco and 2 goldies in a 30 gallon tank. I am worried about when he grows too big. I hear I will need a 50 gallon tank for one. I don't have space for a larger tank. He is already 6 inches long and seems happy with the fan-tailed goldie and black moor. HOw much longer before he is too big and what do I do with him when I can't get a big enough tank. Can you give them to aquarium stores?

 

I know that they can grow up to 18" or more! However, I am thinking they maybe grow to the tank size, as a lot of fish do. I'm not sure, so watch for a better answer I have 2 Plecos...one is Little Monster who is anout 3-4" and The Monster who is about 7-8". Yes, I have a little girl who names our fish

 

the stores over here in NI take fish bak if u need 2 get rid of them if they outgrow ur tank but I'm also sure they only grow 2 the size of the tank

 

How fast and how big they grow really depends on the water quality and feeding regimen. The reason that the theory " they will only grow as big as the tank " works is because the fish is usually stunted in growth due to poor water quality. If you give your fish good water (frequent small partial water changes) and food it may reach its full adult size in any tank.

Just my thoughts,
Mike

 

try and get an ancistrus bristlenose suckerfish there really cool and only grown 2 about 4-5inches

 

How fast and how big they grow really depends on the water quality and feeding regimen.

I think it also depends on the species of the pleco. I have one over a foot long that I have had at least 2 years and I swear he is still growing? As far as finding him a new home if he gets too big, call around at your local lfs. Depending on where you live, folks with ponds seem to like them, but then I live in Florida. It's worth a shot though. Some folks bring in their fish in the winter. I don't know why the pleco couldn't be brought in also.