I got a couple of new plecos from petsmart about 3 days ago. One is a spotted high-finned pleco and the other is a rubber lipped pleco. I'm have a hard time finding some rock hard info on the two. More on the rubber lipped. They seem to be doing well and are doing an ok job at cleaning off the algea. The rubber lipped is very territorial and headbutts anyone who comes close to his little home. The other one is more free floating and I usually see him along the back of the glass. If anyone has any info on them that would be fantastic. Thanks
New Plecos
- Thread starter Fishman1318
- Start date
I have owned both. Both require temps. between 74-86F, sailfins' adultsize is normally between 18-20", but it is possible for them to reach 24", rubberlips get to 5-6", sailfins require a minimum of about 180 gallons, rubberlips need about 20-30 gallons, both do well with most other fish except ganoid scaled fish (which they have been known to suck the slime coats off of) they are otherwise unaggressive as long as they are given a sufficient amount of space and places to hide, and are not underfed. And they should be fed algae disks and/or vegetables regularly. If there is anything else you would like to know, just ask and I'll help if I can. 
Thanks for the info. I have a pretty good algea growth in my tank as of now so they've been eatting that. The rubber lip is kinda aggresive though and stubborn to come out of his hidding spot. I have algea disks that I put in the tank. What kind of veggies should I put in the tank? and whats a good way from keeping them from floating around the tank?
Zucchini or cucumber slices, weigh down with rocks or a fork or use a veggie clip.
Rubber lips can be pretty territorial towards other plecos, but with enough space should be OK. You probably won't see him much during the day, mine hides 99% of the time.
Rubber lips can be pretty territorial towards other plecos, but with enough space should be OK. You probably won't see him much during the day, mine hides 99% of the time
.Well I can see him but he still thinks he's hiding lol. Umm well I have a concern now. This morning when I turned on the lights my sail fin was at the top of the tank cleaning I presume. And the lights must have started him so he started down to the bottom of the tank. Instead of just swimming straight down he looped his way down. Stopping at the bottom of one of the plastic plants kinda half on its side. I know the water parameters are fine, I checked it last night. And none of the other fish are acting up. Maybe I just got a "special" fish? lol He does a good job cleaning I know that much. Any ideas?
Umm ok nows hes having trouble with his air bladder! Hes floating around but hes swimming kinda. It sounds like hes going down. I dont understand why plecos keep dying in my tank. All the other fish are great. Fat and happy.
Aside from 'fine', what are your water parameters exactly? 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, nitrates at least below 40 (preferably lower)? How about the pH?
Also, plecos usually don't tolerate hard water very well, but they shouldn't just up and die from it. How is the hardness of Colorado's tap water anyway?
Also, plecos usually don't tolerate hard water very well, but they shouldn't just up and die from it. How is the hardness of Colorado's tap water anyway?