What is the best catfish for me?

[plecusmaximus10]

Hi guys,
I'm new to the forums so this might not be in the right place so sorry.
I have just bought a new tank which is 110litres which is 25 gallons i am looking for a catfish or plec that is compatable with my tank i would rather steer clear from glass catfish as i don't like the look of them i like the look of common plecs and catfishes and would like something relatively big


joe

[MatsP]

A 110 liter tank is probably around 80cm long (32"), 30cm(12") wide and 35cm(14") tall - give or take a bit. Using the rule of "4L x 2L x 2L", where L is the length of fish, we can count backwards to find that the largest fish suitable in such a tank is around 15cm/6". Obviously, if I knew that actual measurements of the tank in question, I may be able to revise that number, but as a rough estimate, I'd say it's fine.

This, in just plecos, leave several hundred suitable species fish. A good starter is perhaps

Ancistrus cf_cirrhosus

, relatively easy to get hold of, not difficult to keep.

--
Mats

[plecusmaximus10]

Thanks Mats isthere a common name for theses fish or shall i just ask for a common plec as i have heard the they grow real big

joe

[Marc van Arc]

Thanks Mats isthere a common name for theses fish or shall i just ask for a common plec as i have heard the they grow real big

To avoid ending up with something huge, I would indeed ask for a bristlenose instead of a common plec. That name (aka BN) should be known at almost every LFS.

[plecusmaximus10]

thanks for all your help

[Viktor Jarikov]

Welcome, Joe! Wish I could help you too but your question is too generic. I'd suggest browsing the Cat-eLog. Find a fish with the right max size and then click on the "near, nearer, same size" link on the fish data base sheet, right next the max size - it will reorganize the whole Cat-eLog by the size group you want. Browse that and see what strikes your fancy. Then, when you have a more manageable group of candidates, like a dozen or two, people may have easier time advising. Otherwise, it'd require a half-a-day lecture just to start with

[MatsP]

And once you have a list of a dozen or so, check which ones are actually possible to get locally. I would really like to keep

Neblinichthys pilosus

, but I doubt even exotic shops like Pier Aquatics or Rare Aquatics will ever get them [at a price that I can afford at least].

--
Mats

[Viktor Jarikov]

right, I keep forgetting that availability is also a strong limiting factor that helps narrow down the hits by an order of magnitude, that is when you come up with 100 fish you like, you may only be able to get 10 locally and affordably... but availability can be hard to ascertain (visit LFSs by foot and on the web, visit aquabid and the likes, web-based fish sellers, etc.; the availability changes with seasons and time, etc.), so you have to start somewhere...

[redfan]

Joe I notice your located in Lincolnshire, as am I .. where abouts? Maybe I can suggest a LFS to visit for certain species

A BN would be fine in your tank, but there are many other plecs suitable for 25 - 30G tanks. Equally if your close to me and want a BN plec, I might be able to help you out for free

Mark

[plecusmaximus10]

Thanks for everyones help.
Hi Mark i live around lincoln so get nore or less all my fish from whisby garden centre and pets at home but the are really bad for catfish so sometimes i go down to downtown in grantham the only really options i have from these stores are peppered,bronze corys common plecs(not bristlenose)bulldog plecs lepord plecs and glass catfish so a better place is kinda needed.
On the subject of your bristlenose plec check your inbox

thanks for everyones help again

joe

[redfan]

Joe, nothing in my inbox here, did you pm me?

As for places to go, I find Baytree Garden Centre quite good but it's in Spalding so not sure if a bit too far for you. Another good one (but a bit of a journey) is Ferrybridge aquatics in Knottingly, West Yorks. Alternatively I have had lots of great stock from Kesgrave tropicals via eBay.

Just some ideas for you. If you want to try and pm me again please do.

Mark

[plecusmaximus10]

Thanks mark for all the info i might not of done the messgae right but i have just aquired a albino bn catfish from my lfs.


joe

[redfan]

Not a problem mate, enjoy your plec