To Pleco, or not to Pleco?

[Covetous]

So the 125 is cycled and I managed to get the LFS to sell me Gold tiger barbs for 99¢ a piece. (As appose to the 2.xx-3.xx they normally are here) so I'm gonna try the Dithers out. But I was wondering if I should get a Pleco and introduce him to the tank before I switch my cichlids over. I have;
1:male JD
1:female JD
1: RTM
2: Festae
Each of these guys is only about 2-3inches at the max. The RTM might be finding a new home since he seems to be the bully of the tank but that's for another day. They are coming from my 40g growout tank where they killed my albino Bushy Nose Pleco.
A different LFS just got in a nice bunch of new Pleco's and I've got my eye on either a Green Phantom or a Blue Phantom. My Bushy Nose was only about an inch and a half. Where as these new ones are easily 5 inches and beefy. Do you guys think the bigger Pleco in a bigger tank will stand a better chance? Or am I just wasting my money if I get one?

 

[FastFisher5]

I think the larger Pleco will have a better chance.The pleco in with my cichlids is about the same size they are, he doesn't get bothered much and doesn't take crap from them at all. Obviously watch to make sure there isn't any violence. Definetly try and add the Pleco first though. More pics too please

 

[FastFisher5]

And watch out for those guys when they mature. Festae aren't sweethearts haha, and a JD breeding pair will appreciate the large tank

 

[Frank Castle]

Plecos don't do jack as far as cleaning the tank....just get a Chinese Algae-eater if you want something to clean for you. Plecos eat wood and produce a ridiculous amount of waste, but they look cool though. I opted for an assortment of medium sized catfish instead of 1 or 2 monster sized Plecos

 

[Covetous]

Plecos don't do jack as far as cleaning the tank....just get a Chinese Algae-eater if you want something to clean for you. Plecos eat wood and produce a ridiculous amount of waste, but they look cool though. I opted for an assortment of medium sized catfish instead of 1 or 2 monster sized Plecos

See I knew that your common Pleco was infamous for this. But I thought the other variations where better cleaners?

 

[Frank Castle]

See I knew that your common Pleco was infamous for this. But I thought the other variations where better cleaners?

yea the smaller ones like Bristlenose and Rubberlips

 

[Covetous]

yea the smaller ones like Bristlenose and Rubberlips

Ahhh, I knew those two where slightly better. Apperently the phantoms max out around 7 or 8 inches so I thought they might be in the same category. But I'm really not too familiar with them.

 

[Guapoteguy291]

If u plan on breeding in your tank don't get a pleco as they steal eggs at night. I have a pleco and while I don't have any algae to speak of I do have alot of driftwood and it does seem to keep my driftwood looking good. May not be a great cleaner but it also seems to stip up any dead spots in my tank sending debris to filters.