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I would like to breed a few species in a large tank together?My tank is 5x3x2 that is feet.Will this even work?What are a few kinds that would go well together?If it turns out this is a bad idea i would like to try to breed just L240 in the tank,How many would be a good number?Thank you for your help and ideas.

Breeding plecos can be difficult. Putting more than one species in a tank makes the task harder. Those are the fact. There is absolutely nothing saying you can't do what you suggest.

A big tank like that is obviously ideal for breeding the larger fishes, and especieally the <something>acanthicus species that grow fairly big in themselves, and should be kept in a larger group (5-6 or more) to avoid battles between two individuals.

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Mats

There will be fighting if you put several species together, but if you have backup tanks and are willing to take the risk you can.

L240 is a very good choice. It is not easy to breed, but why not try? It is a super cool fish! I would reccomend buying 8-12 sub adults or fewer adults. Have a look here: http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/view ... =5&t=27730

My opinion is that this is a great size tank that will make the occupants feel secure with the right decor & that will increase the chances of breeding success - that is of course with a single species.

If you really fancy L204 (which is a great species) lots of wood is required or check out the rockwork in some of Haavards tanks for L200 L240 etc (not forgetting Uno!) Whatever you decide, research, research, research against that particular species & set-up accordingly. People on PC will always offer advice. Then get individuals together from the same shipment which should help ensure they are all the same species - get a "selection" of sizes & body shapes from within the group to try to ensure a mix of sexes. Pay scrupulous attention to feeding requirements & water quality & the battle is half over...of course this is a simplistic view but the only other thing to mention which is one of the most important...patience

Given a well set out tank, it is possible to breed more than one plec in a tank, i have bred L066, L046 and L134 all in the same tank together, the tank was 400ltr, five foot tank with enough hiding places for every fish. once they sought out their own territory's they will settle down and breed as long as the conditions are right. The same tank has currently got L260, L144 and L73 all breeding, I may just be incredibly lucky, but I cannot see why other people should not be able to do the same

It is certainly possible to breed multiple species but it would depend on what species as to providing correct conditions. Additionally many people wouldn't keep more than one Hypancistrus species to avoid any possibility of hybridisation. This is a bigger than average tank so multiple species is a possibility, but so is multiple breeding pairs of the same species in a larger colony which potentially is better all round

Thanks everyone who has answered.I should have mentioned that i have many tanks already running with many plecos.I have groups of L134,L199,L129,L240,L201,L205,L208,L255,LDA33,and more.Which of these would you try together,maybe just two kinds?If my other breeding project wasn't breeding azul peacock bass imagine the space i would have:}

Rule #1: Do not mix species that are closely related (e.g. Hypancistrus). Beyond that, you need to observe the fish and make sure they manage OK in the tank.

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Mats

gotcha,i am just trying to avoid any hanky panky between the ones i choose.

hotplecogirl wrote:gotcha,i am just trying to avoid any hanky panky between the ones i choose.

Exactly, we don't want them to be "unhappy neighbours", but we also don't want any "adultery"... I'm not aware of any species which crosses a genus barrier with normal breeding methods.

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Mats

Please let us see the big tank in progress

Haavard Stoere wrote:Please let us see the big tank in progress

I second this!

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Mats

I'm interested in seeing your setup too, as I'm slowing going that way also. I'm removing most of my cichlids (except my EBJD's) and having a multi-species catfish tank and hoping to breed one or 2 types in my 125 gallon. So please post up your progress if you can.

I will keep you all updated as well as my other large pleco tank which is a 4.5x4.5x2.5 cube.

In feet? That is a mighty big tank

Cool. Nice big tanks. I need some more evidence to convince the wife I need another big tank for a pleco only tank!

2wheelsx2 wrote:Cool. Nice big tanks. I need some more evidence to convince the wife I need another big tank for a pleco only tank!

LOL I need my own house so I can move my large tanks out of my parents, brothers and sister's houses

i have about 1200 gallons in a small one bedroom apartment,good thing i am in a garden/basement apartment.