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Loricariidae for planted tanks

Posted: 04 May 2005, 06:37
by jerime
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

Posted: 04 May 2005, 06:40
by natefrog
Smaller Panaque species are a good bet, mind you most Loracids are pretty easy on aquarium plants that are well rooted.

Posted: 04 May 2005, 06:53
by WhitePine
most Farlowella, Baryancistrus(until they get big later in life), Hemiloricaria, Sturisoma and of course the best would be Otocinclus(my favorite).

Posted: 04 May 2005, 09:22
by Kostas
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.

Posted: 04 May 2005, 09:49
by MatsP
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

Posted: 05 May 2005, 09:41
by Durlänger

Posted: 10 May 2005, 14:06
by Rene MG
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 can´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.

Posted: 10 May 2005, 19:27
by fishmadbarry
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.