Loricariidae for planted tanks

jerime · Post by **jerime** » 04 May 2005, 06:37

Can anyone state any of the lorivaridae genus that are suitable for planted tanks in terms of not damaging plant in any way, not growing too big (over 15-20 cm') and any other term possible?
Thanks

natefrog · Post by **natefrog** » 04 May 2005, 06:40

Smaller Panaque species are a good bet, mind you most Loracids are pretty easy on aquarium plants that are well rooted.

WhitePine · Post by **WhitePine** » 04 May 2005, 06:53

most Farlowella, Baryancistrus(until they get big later in life), Hemiloricaria, Sturisoma and of course the best would be Otocinclus(my favorite).

Kostas · Post by **Kostas** » 04 May 2005, 09:22

It depends on the plant species of the tank.
There are plants that will not get damaged in any way by almost all Loricariids(Anubia,Microsorum,Ceratopteris,Vallisneria,Cabomba,other fine leafed plants and water ferns) and there are others that will get damaged by most Loricariids(Broad leafed plants like Echinodorus sp. except E. osiris)
Loricariids that will not damage any plant in any way are Otocinclus,Farlowella,Sturisoma,Sturisomatichthys,Hemiloricaria,Rineloricaria,Pseudohemiodon and generally all members of the Subfamily Loricariinae.
Baryancistrus's and Panaque's behaviour towards plants varies from individual to individual so you may get one that eats plants or one that doesnt shows any interest on them.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 04 May 2005, 09:49

Ancistrus seems to be OK with most plants too [That's my experience at least]. Amazon swords are, as far as I can tell, not damaged by them, just kept clean.

Smaller panaque are nice, such as or . They aren't particularly good algae eaters however, so if that's what you're after, you're better off with Ancistrus, or Otocinclus of some sort.

Generally, the biggest problem with larger plecos and plants is not the "eating" of the plants, but the "redecorating" that they, either intentionally or accidentally, make a habit of doing. If the plants are well planted, and perhaps protected by some rocks around the base so that they don't get knocked over or pulled up, you'd be reasonably OK for most species that aren't listed as "plant eaters" in the Cat-eLog.

--
Mats

Durlänger · Post by **Durlänger** » 05 May 2005, 09:41

Good plant`s cleaner`s with small size are
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/lo ... 1083_f.php
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/lo ... /353_f.php
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/lo ... 1350_f.php
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/lo ... /804_f.php
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/lo ... 1158_f.php
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/lo ... /105_f.php
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/lo ... /106_f.php
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/lo ... /107_f.php

Rene MG · Post by **Rene MG** » 10 May 2005, 14:06

HI.. I agree with MatsP

Generally, the biggest problem with larger pl*cos and plants is not the "eating" of the plants, but the "redecorating" that they, either intentionally or accidentally, make a habit of doing.

THa's part of thier behavior..and we canÂ´t blame them for that.. your really good choice is Ancistrus and Otocinclus. Concerning to Panaque spp. these are gorgeous but you would have problems with its modify teeth...because they are so sharpy.

fishmadbarry · Post by **fishmadbarry** » 10 May 2005, 19:27

Sturisoma sp. would be good. very delicate in their actions.
Paraotocinclus Jumbo are excellent algae eaters and they are not at all interested in your plants, you will find that they are constantly on the move as well.

If its an algae crew that your after then false flying fox will polish off whatever will dare show up.