I want to get either a royal or gold nugget pleco for my tank. It currently contains a bgk, a trio of pearl gouramis, a bee cat, a dwarf gourami, and a Ld042 pleco. Which fish would be best for me?
mixing plecos
- Thread starter blackghostknife
- Start date
Not the royal. The diet of the other fish can cause the royal issues.
IMO royals are best kept with other royals or plecs that can thrive on the same diet as they require to stay healthy long term.
I'm also not a fan of mixing plecos it's easier to keep them in species only tanks. I don't see the reason in keeping a plethora of different plecs in one tank. Having one of each type is meaningless. Groups of the same species is the way to go.
IMO royals are best kept with other royals or plecs that can thrive on the same diet as they require to stay healthy long term.
I'm also not a fan of mixing plecos it's easier to keep them in species only tanks. I don't see the reason in keeping a plethora of different plecs in one tank. Having one of each type is meaningless. Groups of the same species is the way to go.
I come from the other point of view. Plecos of different species live in the same areas in the wild, so why not in your tank. The royal will need wood in the aquarium for digestive purposes and the gold nugget is more carnivorous, but I keep different species in my aquariums. Unless your attempting a breeding colony I find the interaction between plecos from the same ares in the wild very interesting. To each his own I suppose. Both species reach around a foot and are very slow growers.
Planet catfish is a great place to read up on different plecos. Just be ready to provide lots of filtration and areas or zones for them to call their own.
Planet catfish is a great place to read up on different plecos. Just be ready to provide lots of filtration and areas or zones for them to call their own.
I like to keep species only tanks with plecos but I guess to each his own. Actually trying to breed my pseudacanthicas L114/600. I have 2 and a small albino bn that does a great job on algae (even though I clean the glass and provide for it). The albino tends to calm the other two down. I also keep a few redhook silver dollars in the tank for movement. Out of the two I would go with the gold nugget. Royals can become very aggressive and too much protein in their diet can cause promblems. Incedently my pseudacanthicas plecos are carnivores and I would not try a royal with them. Good Luck with what ever you choose though.
well it already contains wood but I don't want the royal eating ALL of it. I feed my current pleco cucumber every other day, is this often enough for a royal? I might end up going with the gold nugget because it would be in the best interest of my plants.
i keep all kinds of plecs together and other than the occasional territory showdown, they are no worse for it.
just make sure that you have the basics for each one available and they will be fine together, given a fair amount of space.
just make sure that you have the basics for each one available and they will be fine together, given a fair amount of space.
I don't see a problem mixing species if you provide them with proper diet. Gold nugget is actually more vegetarian..
One thing to note is that Gold nuggets like higher temps...like 78-82 F
One thing to note is that Gold nuggets like higher temps...like 78-82 F
blackghostknife;5046108; said:
The more, the merrier! Having two plecos may cause territorial disputes than keeping three or more. My 175g houses over 30 plecos from 11 different species. All you need is a lot of driftwood for hiding spots/food. Feed various types of pellets and zuchinni so that everyone gets what they need. Royals do chew wood but it isn't like they will eat an entire piece. In fact, plecos often create new holes and tunnels in the wood, making it look even cooler.