Need tips with L316 pleco

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batang_mcdo

Polypterus
MFK Member
Apr 24, 2006
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Manila
I have 5 pieces L316 plecos, I've had them for more than a year now.
how do i get them to spawn? they are currently in a bare bottom 35 gallon tank with some sponge filters and some caves.

also will they hardm bristlenose fries? i'd like to add 2-3 pcs bristlenose fries from my bristlenose tank. the fries will be about .5 inch. reason i want to add is the glass in the L316 tankhas some algae growing.
 
The Ancistrus fry will be fine with the L316. They may eat eggs or wigglers but small fry are fine.

To start, you need small size caves for this small pleco. Make or buy some that are around 1" x 1.25" x 5" to 1.25" x 1.5" x 5" (2.54cm x 3.18cm x 12.7cm to 3.18cm x 3.8cm x 12.7cm (H x W x L)) or if you like the round hole caves 1.25" x 5" will do fine.
To get them to breed try doing large water changes after at least no water changes for a week two days in a row...... about a 40% to 50% water change should do each day. Dropping the water temp 1 to 2 degrees over the two day water change period will also help.... and if you have some RO water added at that time as well would be beneficial. You don't need to over do the RO water but a slight drop in the TDS would help simulate a rainy season.

HTH
Chuck
 
They like blood worms.... but because of their small mouths they can choke on them too. If you use blood worms freeze them and shave them into very small bits with a razor blade before feeding.

When breeding female plecs back into the cave to lay eggs...... so if it is to hard to back into the cave she may not be able to get in to lay the eggs. The containers you showed may or may not work because of this and they like to be secure so a correct sized cave is needed. It all has to do with the opening size..... not the entire size of the cave. If you can find a clay container with around a 1.25" opening it may very well work fine.

HTH
Chuck
 
Last edited:
stuby said:
They like blood worms.... but because of their small mouths they can choke on them too. If you use blood worms freeze them and shave them into very small bits with a razor blade before feeding.

When breeding female plecs back into the cave to lay eggs...... so if it is to hard to back into the cave she may not be able to get in to lay the eggs. The containers you showed may or may not work because of this and they like to be secure so a correct sized cave is needed. It all has to do with the opening size..... not the entire size of the cave. If you can find a clay container with around a 1.25" opening it may very well work fine.

HTH
Chuck
Click to expand...


thanks Chuck :) really appreciate the help. I'll try to add some caves with the 1.25 inch opening. i think i might need to DIY a tile cave.
 
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