Bristlenose pleco aquarium size

[Rocco]

Hello everybody,

I have a 110 Liter (29 gallon) tank with guppys. I would really like to add a ancistrus. I was thinking common bristlenos pleco because they are widely available. However, I'm not sure whether my tank is big enough (80x40 cm). What do you guys think? Is it big enough?
And if not, what would be a suitable ancistrus? I know ancistrus claro stays small, however I have no idea where I would be able to get one here in the Netherlands.

I hope you will be able to help me, thanks!

[bekateen]

Hello Rocco, I would think you could keep a pair or trio of bristlenoses on a 29 gallon tank. Just make sure you do not ignore water changes.

Several species of BN stay about the same size or smaller than the common BN and would be fine.

I think I've asked before, but where in the Netherlands do you live?

Cheers, Eric

[MarcW]

Hi Rocco, I agree with Eric, if you just have guppy's in the tank, 2-3 bristlenose would be fine.

I'd just add, make sure you have plenty of hiding places, caves, pipes, pieces of wood, etc. if they don't all have somewhere to hide they may fight with each other.

[bekateen]

Maybe @jac can suggest someone close to you. That said, with the Coronavirus shutting down travel, it does make getting fish more difficult.

[Rocco]

Hello Bekateen, thank you for your response!

I find that the recommended aquarium size for aquarium fish tend to differ between countrys. For instance, quite a lot of Dutch sources and hobbyists believe that the minimum for a single common BN is a 42 gallon tank. However, there are also sources who believe a 29 gallon is sufficient for a single common BN. On the other hand, American sources often recommend a minimum of 20 gallons for a single BN. I wanted to make sure my tank is big enough to prevent inadequate care.

However, after researching some more, I now believe that a 29 gallon should be sufficient for a BN the size or smaller than the common BN. So I will now be researching what species I will get, I am looking for a relatively easy and inexpensive BN, so if you have any that you would recommend feel free to let me know. It also depends on what is available near me of course.

I don't think you have asked before as I'm fairly new to the forum, but I live in the south of the Netherlands (in the provence Noord-Brabant).

Rocco.

[Rocco]

I forgot to add I'm thinking about maybe adding zebra danios to the tank, so only one BN might me a better option.

I do have to say that my interest in pleco's is really growing. They are honestly so cool, it's a shame my parent won't let me get more tanks, since I only have one aquarium suitable for a possible ancistrus.