Small Pleco for warm water??

harsmann · Post by **harsmann** » 12 May 2006, 21:38

Hi,

I am looking for an algae-eating pleco that will do well in an 85L/22Gl tank with temperature 28-30Â°C, pH 7.5, GH 18-20. Any recommendations?

Tank mates will be a pair of rams (hence the high temperature), some peaceful tetras and maybe a small school of C. sterbai.

Thanks,
Allan

Chrysichthys · Post by **Chrysichthys** » 13 May 2006, 12:02

A pair of common Bristlenoses (Ancistrus species) would do. They're very adaptable and easily bred.

harsmann · Post by **harsmann** » 13 May 2006, 18:55

A pair of bristlenoses would be fun, I am just worried about the temperature.

The bristlenoses I can get in my area are problably Ancistrus sp(3) (but sold as A. dolichopterus). According to the Cat-elog they prefer the temperature range 22-24Â° (though I have seen both 23-27Â° and 23-29Â°C in other references).

I have a bristlenose in another tank - I could start by moving her over to see how she manages. It would be fun getting a date for her.

- Allan

Mike_Noren · Post by **Mike_Noren** » 14 May 2006, 09:23

Common ancistrus will do perfectly, and breed enthusiastically, at that temperature. No worries.

Other commonly available options include the smaller Otocinclus and Parotocinclus-species, although especially the otos are considerably more sensitive and harder to keep alive (never mind breed!) than common ancistrus.

harsmann · Post by **harsmann** » 14 May 2006, 10:21

Then couple of bristlenoses it shall be.

They will, in fact, be replacing some otos that never really thrived in the tank.

Thanks for the tips.

Allan