I have a 55 gallon show tank with live plants and cichlid rock caves in it. My tank has 5 freshwater neon blue gobys, 4 assorted cory cats, some barbs, some tetras, and 1 rainbow. I want to add a pleco to the mix for algae control. All my fish are peaceful, no aggressive ones at all. I have about 25 fish total in tank. I use RO WATER in tank. I was thinking of the THOMASI PLECO. From what i've read it seems like the best choice. Any suggestions. I want to add the right one the first time so I don't have problems. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Looking to add pleco to tank
- Thread starter RBOHATY
- Start date
A Thomasi or a bristlenose should be ok. Just be warned if you go with a Thomasi pleco...they prefer cool fast moving water. I would advise against one if you keep your temperature in the 80's.
I've never heard of a rubber lip pleco. Does it go by another name or do you know it's number (L???)?
My tank stays at 77 degrees. I have a power head for water movement. I've read that a Thomasi eats algae better than a Bristlenose. Is that true?
Chaetostoma milesi, Chaetostoma Thomasi, Chaetostoma formosae(L444) and rubberlip are all basically the same. You might be able to get away with the 77 with the powerhead.
I've never heard which (Thomasi or a bristlenose) is better for algae.
I've never heard which (Thomasi or a bristlenose) is better for algae.
Thank you both for the input, it was helpful. I am thinking of lowering my temp by a few degrees so it shouldn't affect other fish in tank. My gobys as well as all other fish like the current temp. If I do that it, if I understand you right it should make it good for Thomasi. Are there any other plecos you might recomend that would do good in a peaceful community tank, (lightly aquascaped with fern and anubias, and hardscaped with cichlid stones for caves). I would prefer one that is an omnivore and is 7 inches or less in size. I am open for suggestions!