Pleco Stunted Growth?

Hello, I have recently bought an Albino BN Pleco. He’s about an inch right now. I tried putting him in my 40 gallon tank with a Rubber Pleco, but the Rubber bullies him. I then transferred him to my 5 gallon tank that I usually use to quarantine small fish, but there is nothing in there currently. It has a filter and a heater. He seems to be doing fine and he has a big appetite. He has recently grown two little bristles on top of his head and they look like little horns, although he’s the same size when I got him a few weeks ago. Is his growth being stunted and will I have to buy a bigger tank for him? Thanks. I have added an of him.

 

For a few weeks, he will be fine but not long term. You will absolutely need a larger tank for him. Plecos are very messy fish. I wouldn’t put a BN in anything smaller than a 29.

 

For a few weeks, he will be fine but not long term. You will absolutely need a larger tank for him. Plecos are very messy fish. I wouldn’t put a BN in anything smaller than a 29.

Thank you. Looks like I’m going to be making a trip to the pet store today! Will my rubber pleco also need driftwood in the other tank, or do they not need it?

 

I had the same problem with the exact same fish!

 

Thank you. Looks like I’m going to be making a trip to the pet store today! Will my rubber pleco also need driftwood in the other tank, or do they not need it?

Have fun! I’m not sure if they NEED driftwood as I’ve never kept that species but SeriouslyFish is a good website to use as reference if you’d like to do some research.

 

Have fun! I’m not sure if they NEED driftwood as I’ve never kept that species but SeriouslyFish is a good website to use as reference if you’d like to do some research.

Thank you! I’ll be sure to check out the website.

 

Hello, I have recently moved my rubber pleco (about 1.5 inches) into a bigger 25 gallon tank. He has left behind his friend in a betta tank which is 10 gallons. (temporary for the albino BN but he keeps everything exceptionally clean and controls all the algae on the ornaments) I feel that the albino is sad that his buddy is gone. He is less than an inch right now, and I’ve noticed that he has grown some bristles ever since I got him a few weeks ago. He will be male. Should I move him in the bigger tank with the rubber to make sure his growth won’t be stunted? He is really active in the betta tank and cleans up everything very well but I do not want to make him unhappy because I’ve heard that they need a minimum of at least 20 gallons. Thank you.

 

Moving him to the bigger tank would be a better option. For algae control in the 10 gallon you could add nerites or even otos (nerites would probably be better)

 

Moving him to the bigger tank would be a better option. For algae control in the 10 gallon you could add nerites or even otos (nerites would probably be better)

Okay thank you. I will make a trip to the pet store today and move him into the bigger tank with his buddy.

Moving him to the bigger tank would be a better option. For algae control in the 10 gallon you could add nerites or even otos (nerites would probably be better)

Is it possible to find this type of snail at a chain pet store near me like a petsmart or petco?? I do not have an LPS where I live.

 

Nerites are very common just ask and they'll show you some. There are tons of varieties. Just make sure you have some algae wafers to supplement their diet in case they run out of algae in the tank.

 

Nerites are very common just ask and they'll show you some. There are tons of varieties. Just make sure you have some algae wafers to supplement their diet in case they run out of algae in the tank.

Thank you. I do have wafers. Will a half or whole work? Is their appetite big?

 

Mine usually get scraps left over from pleco/kuhlis/cories. Maybe split into a fourth even so you don't pollute your water.