Pleco Dilemma

To some it may not be a dilemma but rather either you do or you dont.I have been thinking about rehousing my common pleco for sometime now.I know about their growth and proper tank size.My pleco is currently about an easy 4 to 6 inches now.When I got him he was about 1 or so. I recently upgraded to a 20 long but, due to current space upgrading to another bigger size is a bit on hold until we move.On a visit to one of my LFS, as I checking out some fish I saw some more common plecos and the conversation came about.Long story short he assured me if i needed to rehouse my pleco they would be more than happy to help out.Although, I dislike the fact that I would have to make a decision eventually I still cannot be selfish about my pleco.He is a major contributor to the bio load in the tank.I currently only have about 4 fish for now(3 glofish,1 pleco).This forum is for all of us..fish hobbyists and our concerns and questions pertaining to our fish's health and well being.If and whenever I do rehome him..I would definitely consider getting another one but probably a BN pleco as they don't grow as big as the common pleco.A couple of corydoras are on the list but, I just don't feel like I have the proper accommodations for my pleco(tank size).If there are any suggestions or opinions I'm open to hear some,thankyou!

 

Not sure about the question. You seem somewhat attached to the pleco, but you know it is not gonna be good to keep him in a 20L forever. Almost nothing is impossible, and I am sure you can keep him alive if you are dedicated to the job, but I would get rid of the common pleco if this was my tank. I had to keep one in a 10g once (came with a donated tank, so had to keep him somewhere until I figured out what to do with it), and the poor thing couldn't even sit straight on the glass (20L is not much taller than a 10g). Replacing it with a BN is a good plan.

 

Not sure about the question. You seem somewhat attached to the pleco, but you know it is not gonna be good to keep him in a 20L forever. Almost nothing is impossible, and I am sure you can keep him alive if you are dedicated to the job, but I would get rid of the common pleco if this was my tank. I had to keep one in a 10g once (came with a donated tank, so had to keep him somewhere until I figured out what to do with it), and the poor thing couldn't even sit straight on the glass (20L is not much taller than a 10g). Replacing it with a BN is a good plan.

Its amazing I can randomly put the tip of finger into the water and he'll shoot up to my finger and then disappear back down into the plants...its crazy how you can get attached to these aquatic animals.

 

you said when you move you can get a bigger tank, how long until you move and how big of a tank?

 

I know, I raised a bullhead catfish that came as an injured baby, but it was extremely frustrating to house her as she got bigger and bigger over years. (Not that I didn't know it would happen, but couldn't let go after a while.)

 

you said when you move you can get a bigger tank, how long until you move and how big of a tank?

in about another year and I would like to do a 75g

 

in about another year and I would like to do a 75g

for an adult common pleco you'll need around 120 gallons, so if 75 is the largest you can get, you'll probably have to rehouse it. they are absolutely massive fish

 

I know, I raised a bullhead catfish that came as an injured baby, but it was extremely frustrating to house her as she got bigger and bigger over years. (Not that I didn't know it would happen, but couldn't let go after a while.)

If I wanted to I know based on what the guy at the LFS said i can rehome tomorrow.I can take care of him but I feel keeping in my 20g is doing him no justice.You can definitely relate.

for an adult common pleco you'll need around 120 gallons, so if 75 is the largest you can get, you'll probably have to rehouse it. they are absolutely massive fish

Should i rehouse him now and allow myself to detach ..sounds crazy but its facts

 

Never raised a common pleco to full size, so I don't know how long it takes to get to that massive size. You may have some time to think about it, and it is good that your tank is not overly crowded. But you know what is waiting down the line.

 

I'd have to agree with most everyone here. The Common Plecostomus will easily reach 2 FEET in length! He'll uproot all of your plants, eat even the toughest of Anubias, make a massive mess in the cleanest of aquariums, and become territorial in even the largest of tanks. These fish should NEVER be on the market! My personal recommendation for the Common Plecostomus (along with all other large, messy fish like Goldfish as well as some Catfish and Cichlids over 6" in size) is at least 5 gallons per inch of fish when they're FULL GROWN. That's at least a 100 gallon aquarium for your Plecostomus ALONE. These fish are a BIG commitment, both literally and figuratively. If I were you, I would try and find him a better home, one that's more suited for monster fish like the Common Plecostomus, unless you're planning to get an aquarium of at least 100-400 gallons, one that needs to be cleaned on a weekly basis, and one that requires a large amount of messy food being fed on a near daily basis. Otherwise I'm afraid he may not have the best home (no offense to you of course, just to your current situation). Hopefully this helps you take a different look into your problem. Good luck, mate

 

To be honest i'd go ahead and give him to the lfs. They get very large and unless you plan on a very large tank you will eventually have dump him.

If you do go with a bn go with a red or lemon blue eye; but i'd look into an l204.

To some it may not be a dilemma but rather either you do or you dont.I have been thinking about rehousing my common pleco for sometime now.I know about their growth and proper tank size.My pleco is currently about an easy 4 to 6 inches now.When I got him he was about 1 or so. I recently upgraded to a 20 long but, due to current space upgrading to another bigger size is a bit on hold until we move.On a visit to one of my LFS, as I checking out some fish I saw some more common plecos and the conversation came about.Long story short he assured me if i needed to rehouse my pleco they would be more than happy to help out.Although, I dislike the fact that I would have to make a decision eventually I still cannot be selfish about my pleco.He is a major contributor to the bio load in the tank.I currently only have about 4 fish for now(3 glofish,1 pleco).This forum is for all of us..fish hobbyists and our concerns and questions pertaining to our fish's health and well being.If and whenever I do rehome him..I would definitely consider getting another one but probably a BN pleco as they don't grow as big as the common pleco.A couple of corydoras are on the list but, I just don't feel like I have the proper accommodations for my pleco(tank size).If there are any suggestions or opinions I'm open to hear some,thankyou!

 

I'd have to agree with most everyone here. The Common Plecostomus will easily reach 2 FEET in length! He'll uproot all of your plants, eat even the toughest of Anubias, make a massive mess in the cleanest of aquariums, and become territorial in even the largest of tanks. These fish should NEVER be on the market! My personal recommendation for the Common Plecostomus (along with all other large, messy fish like Goldfish as well as some Catfish and Cichlids over 6" in size) is at least 5 gallons per inch of fish when they're FULL GROWN. That's at least a 100 gallon aquarium for your Plecostomus ALONE. These fish are a BIG commitment, both literally and figuratively. If I were you, I would try and find him a better home, one that's more suited for monster fish like the Common Plecostomus, unless you're planning to get an aquarium of at least 100-400 gallons, one that needs to be cleaned on a weekly basis, and one that requires a large amount of messy food being fed on a near daily basis. Otherwise I'm afraid he may not have the best home (no offense to you of course, just to your current situation). Hopefully this helps you take a different look into your problem. Good luck, mate

I appreciate it

 

I agree with every one. If your LFS is willing to take this fish I highly recommend you take them up on it. I know how hard it is to do because I had to do the same thing. The thing is, I knew when I got Jethro I wouldn't get to keep him long term so already knew when the time came where he would go to live out his life.

He is now living out his life in a huge above ground pond. I can't even guess as to how much water this pond holds but it is round and at least 20 feet across at the widest point. I was very attached to Jethro. He would actually let me pet him. When it was time to take him to his new home I was able to just reach in the tank and pick him up. That is how docile he was. I kept him until he was about 7 inches long but he was in a 55 gallon tank. Yours is already too big for the tank he is in.

When we get these fish we commit to giving them the very best life we can. When they outgrow the home we can provide them the best thing we can do for them is give them up so they can go to a bigger home. I know it is hard but it is best for them.

If it were possible I would still have a common pleco as they are my favorites but I can't provide them a proper home. I now have BN pleco's and love them almost as much as a common. Who couldn't love that guy over there in my avatar or the tiny pleco's such as the super reds. Elbert is only 5 1/2 inches. Little Red is about 3 inches. Tiny creatures compared to a common.

I am fortunate to actually have one pleco that can live out its life in a 5 gallon tank. This tiny creature stopped growing at about 1 inch long. She is well over a year old now. In fact she was born August 30th 2019. She will stay with me. All her siblings grew to 3 or 3 1/2 inches and all but one of them have found new homes. One of them is still in my 55 gallon tank and to catch it I would have to tear the tank apart. I guess I am stuck with her but will have to keep a very close eye on Elbert's actions and if he starts guarding eggs I will have to remove them before they hatch.

All of this to say, Even though it is hard do, do what's best for your big guy and let him go.

 

I agree with every one. If your LFS is willing to take this fish I highly recommend you take them up on it. I know how hard it is to do because I had to do the same thing. The thing is, I knew when I got Jethro I wouldn't get to keep him long term so already knew when the time came where he would go to live out his life.

He is now living out his life in a huge above ground pond. I can't even guess as to how much water this pond holds but it is round and at least 20 feet across at the widest point. I was very attached to Jethro. He would actually let me pet him. When it was time to take him to his new home I was able to just reach in the tank and pick him up. That is how docile he was. I kept him until he was about 7 inches long but he was in a 55 gallon tank. Yours is already too big for the tank he is in.

When we get these fish we commit to giving them the very best life we can. When they outgrow the home we can provide them the best thing we can do for them is give them up so they can go to a bigger home. I know it is hard but it is best for them.

If it were possible I would still have a common pleco as they are my favorites but I can't provide them a proper home. I now have BN pleco's and love them almost as much as a common. Who couldn't love that guy over there in my avatar or the tiny pleco's such as the super reds. Elbert is only 5 1/2 inches. Little Red is about 3 inches. Tiny creatures compared to a common.

I am fortunate to actually have one pleco that can live out its life in a 5 gallon tank. This tiny creature stopped growing at about 1 inch long. She is well over a year old now. In fact she was born August 30th 2019. She will stay with me. All her siblings grew to 3 or 3 1/2 inches and all but one of them have found new homes. One of them is still in my 55 gallon tank and to catch it I would have to tear the tank apart. I guess I am stuck with her but will have to keep a very close eye on Elbert's actions and if he starts guarding eggs I will have to remove them before they hatch.

All of this to say, Even though it is hard do, do what's best for your big guy and let him go.

It is hard but apart from his major waste load ive grown very attached to him.I didn't realize getting back into the hobby, and originally starting a smaller tank for my son as he said he liked the pleco(blackie)that I was the one who grew close.Im thinking about getting a BN but one who grows no more than 2or 3inches.As we talked about before i really like the corydoras(maybe 3 to 4 of them).Now is there any special preparation I need for his transport to the LFS?Thankyou Mattgirl!!

 

I put Jethro in a small storage tote with 3 or 4 inches of water in it. When I took about 60 pleco fry I put them in the same storage tote. When I took my last 1 year old pleco's to my LFS I put them in a 1 gallon ice cream containers filled half way with water. 4 males in one and 5 females in another.

 

I put Jethro in a small storage tote with 3 or 4 inches of water in it. When I took about 60 pleco fry I put them in the same storage tote. When I took my last 1 year old pleco's to my LFS I put them in a 1 gallon ice cream containers filled half way with water. 4 males in one and 5 females in another.

oh ok I got it..

 

I agree with every one. If your LFS is willing to take this fish I highly recommend you take them up on it. I know how hard it is to do because I had to do the same thing. The thing is, I knew when I got Jethro I wouldn't get to keep him long term so already knew when the time came where he would go to live out his life.

He is now living out his life in a huge above ground pond. I can't even guess as to how much water this pond holds but it is round and at least 20 feet across at the widest point. I was very attached to Jethro. He would actually let me pet him. When it was time to take him to his new home I was able to just reach in the tank and pick him up. That is how docile he was. I kept him until he was about 7 inches long but he was in a 55 gallon tank. Yours is already too big for the tank he is in.

When we get these fish we commit to giving them the very best life we can. When they outgrow the home we can provide them the best thing we can do for them is give them up so they can go to a bigger home. I know it is hard but it is best for them.

If it were possible I would still have a common pleco as they are my favorites but I can't provide them a proper home. I now have BN pleco's and love them almost as much as a common. Who couldn't love that guy over there in my avatar or the tiny pleco's such as the super reds. Elbert is only 5 1/2 inches. Little Red is about 3 inches. Tiny creatures compared to a common.

I am fortunate to actually have one pleco that can live out its life in a 5 gallon tank. This tiny creature stopped growing at about 1 inch long. She is well over a year old now. In fact she was born August 30th 2019. She will stay with me. All her siblings grew to 3 or 3 1/2 inches and all but one of them have found new homes. One of them is still in my 55 gallon tank and to catch it I would have to tear the tank apart. I guess I am stuck with her but will have to keep a very close eye on Elbert's actions and if he starts guarding eggs I will have to remove them before they hatch.

All of this to say, Even though it is hard do, do what's best for your big guy and let him go.

If i do get a BN how many of them can i have together?

 

If i do get a BN how many of them can i have together?

Only one male but you could have one male and a couple of females or just 2 females. If you don't want to find yourself over run with pleco fry it would be best not to have both male and female in your tank. I would only have one (either one male or one female) in this size tank though.

 

Agree with above given the size of your current tank. I wouldn't get them as adults though, unless you can't wait to breed them. I would raise about 5 from 1.5 inch and see what they turn out to be. You can keep a pair or a trio in the end. (I have 3 almost adults in my 20 right now). They grow slow and you can enjoy them for a while. It is fun to watch them grow beards (or not), and start exhibiting adult behavior over time. You'll know which male and female(s) you want to keep when they get there. Rehoming a BN is never a problem, everyone has room for an extra BN. (You might end up losing one or two raising from small size).

 

Thanks

Only one male but you could have one male and a couple of females or just 2 females. If you don't want to find yourself over run with pleco fry it would be best not to have both male and female in your tank. I would only have one (either one male or one female) in this size tank though.
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thanks

 

Agree with above given the size of your current tank. I wouldn't get them as adults though, unless you can't wait to breed them. I would raise about 5 from 1.5 inch and see what they turn out to be. You can keep a pair or a trio in the end. (I have 3 almost adults in my 20 right now). They grow slow and you can enjoy them for a while. It is fun to watch them grow beards (or not), and start exhibiting adult behavior over time. You'll know which male and female(s) you want to keep when they get there. Rehoming a BN is never a problem, everyone has room for an extra BN. (You might end up losing one or two raising from small size).

thankyou