River Tank plan

arndogg · Post by **arndogg** » 17 Mar 2007, 16:28

I am planning a small river tank using a 26 gallon
(30L X 10W X 15H). I will be using Whitepine's tank as inspiration.

I currently have a single L-200 that I would like to make the centerpiece, but from past experiences, he eats plants. What kind of plants can withstand a hungry L-200? Should I just overfeed? Lastly, is it possible to put other plecos in this tank? If so, what kind?

As far as filtration, I will have 1 maxijet 600 and 1
ac 802 attached to sponge filters, and 1 hob filter.

Thank you for your input.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 19 Mar 2007, 12:57

I think, in most cases, plant-eating in Plecos is caused by "not having a better alternative". Just like if I walk up to a buffet-table, if there's some of my favourite food, I'll take that. If I'm real hungry, and there's nothing but a bit of old salad left, I'll eat the old salad... Fish are the same: If they are hungry, they eat what's available. If they are not hungry, they don't eat.

I'd say, make sure there's a constant supply of fresh vegetable (zucchini for example).

The tank isn't very big, so you would have to be carefull about what other species you have in the tank. I'd say perhaps a few would be a possibilty (assuming you want to have some wood in the tank too). Not too different in distribution either (both L200 and P. maccus are from the Rio Orinoco region, although they may not exactly overlap.

--
Mats

arndogg · Post by **arndogg** » 19 Mar 2007, 14:30

Thank you MatsP for the response.

You are probably right about the plant eating. His last tank was a cichlid tank, and he had his food stolen oftentimes.

As far as another L species, I have actually narrowed it down to L104 and L199. I noticed a few others have L199 in a river tank, and have successfully bred them. I am leaning towards the L199 since it won't eat wood like the L104. Is an L199 and L200 mix viable? I am looking at acquiring a pair of L199.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 19 Mar 2007, 14:43

L199 is a suitabe candidate as far as geography and being a small species. However, there will be some amount competition/conflict with L199 and L200 - the L200 will be bigger than the L199, so it will "win" any battle on those.

--
Mats

apistomaster · Post by **apistomaster** » 19 Mar 2007, 18:20

arndogg,

Matt would have everyone keeping a P. maccus if he were King. They are much like a pet rock.

Why not let the L200 be your main show? They are a good all around pleco that even eats some algae. Matt is right on about the fresh blanched squashes.

If you will kkeep the L200 well fed on fresh veggies I think you could keep some Anubias barteri and Java Ferns tied to some decorative wood. Both are troublefree plants with tough leaves and are easy to grow.

Then I would recommend a school of Venzuelan, Moenkhausia pitteri, Diamond Tetras for adding some activity to the rest of the water column. They grow large enough and become very beautiful Tetras as they mature. They will also be helpful in picking up on bits of uneaten food that the L200 will stir up.

I think you would find this would be a very nice display. Don't be put off by the diamond tetra's looks in the fishstore tanks because they will undergo a remarkable tranformation in your tank as they grow out.

arndogg · Post by **arndogg** » 19 Mar 2007, 19:40

I appreciate the input from both of you. I have had my L200 for over a year, and am attached to it, as are my kids. This tank will be for him. However, I was thinking of adding L199's as I would like to have variety, but no extra tanks for new fish. Tetras are definitely going in there as well.