small plecs for big tank?

[blackghost]

I have a 6x2x2 containing very peaceful fish (dollars, barbs, 1 S.angelica, 1 black ghost). There is a fair bit of wood in the tank, which grows brown algae because of the low lighting, and the back glass is also covered in brown algae.

I'm looking for a trio or whatever of small plecs (4-5"max) who would either eat the algae or clean the wood... or both.

My main concern is the scalelessness of the 15" black ghost who lives in a 2ft drainpipe. The plecs would have to be peaceful towards the ghost.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Barbie]

Any Ancistrus or Farlowella species would fit your bill. Otocinclus and quite a few others would also work. Do you want active wood grazing? Check out L134, L239, or even Panaque maccus. It just really depends on your preferences and your pocketbook ;).

Barbie

[wijnands]

Just wondering really... how clever are those ghost things? One of those could really hurt itself if it tries to take on an adult ancistrus.

[Taz]

I've got a 13" black ghost knife fish in my largest tank, current cohabitants are three adult bristle noses (occasionally more if they've hatched some babies, who I think end up as knife fish snacks), two synodontis eupterra, some flying foxes and a couple of angels (again occasionally more when they've hatched out a batch of eggs / snacks).

I would definitely say BNs are a good choice.

[Richard B]

BGKs are known to eat small fish. Bristle nose should be ok, otos may find themselves on the menu though

[blackghost]

I'm really wanting active brown algae eating. If the wood would be kept clear of algae by wood-eaters then they;re a contender too. I should maybe have mentioned there is a pair of Hampala ampalong, 6" and 8" (one of the smaller Hampalas, and slow growing). They're peaceful to fish they can't eat, but I think Otos are out. I'd prefer just a pair or trio of a larger plec, say 4-6".

BG's have a big mouth and a powerful bite. I've kept a few over the years, and although I've never known one harm a fish (I even had one that would back off from food if there were livebearer fry near it and wait for them to move away), they will bite back. It would see off a small plec if it had to, but it would get very scratched in the process, and this is my main concern.

[apistomaster]

Hard to beat the utility and compatibility of common Bushy Nose Plecos. They will live with a Black Ghost just fine.