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Pleco's are my first true love, but African Cichlids are a close 2nd. I have not set up either one of my two tanks I own yet -- 55g and a 45g... If I can only set up the 55g I would love to be able to combine a few plecos that would not be bothered by Assorted African Cichlids.
My setup of the tank would be a sand bottom with a few peices of driftwood and many slate rock caves for hiding spaces. I would like to get some small plecos for example clown pleco, bristle, rubber lip. To go with a couple small cichlids for example yellow lab, blue johanni, colbalt blue zebra, demasoni along those lines.
Does anyone else have a setup similar to one that thrives?

I would like to get some small plecos for example clown pleco, bristle, rubber lip. To go with a couple small cichlids for example yellow lab, blue johanni, colbalt blue zebra, demasoni along those lines.

Not a good idea...the only "Pleco" that I would even consider with the Cichlids you mention would be a bristlenose...just the common variety mind you. Reasons being differing water conditions, the aggresiveness in both feeding and general behaviour does not bode well for any pleco.

All the Cichlids you mention are from Lake Malawi...there are other varieties of African Cichlid though besides those from Lake Malawi and the other rift lakes which could possibly go better with plecos.

Birger

Thank you for your insight, that is what I thought but best to ask since this is a forum filled with better knowledge than I can receive from any other place.
Yes, I do have to admit I love Malawi Cichlids as you could tell. If I could get some nice rare plecos then I would do a mainly L's pleco tank. Just wish I had someone with the same interests but could not find ANY clubs around where I live.

Anything is possible... http://www.bcaquaria.com/forum/tank-jou ... ure-21703/
Lot's of challenges if you decide to go ahead.

The pleco side is easier, pick plecos that are happy with veggies, give them lots of hiding spots and shade.

On the cichlid side, pick wisely. My 2 cents stay away from Mbuna, stick with haps and peacocks, and no females. Just be aware how much the dynamic can change by adding or subtracting one cichlid from a tank...

Good luck!