Which one?

[bcarlos]

You can disagree all you want but fact is they do not thrive in hard water it's fact not an opinion. Just be ause you keep them in hard water does not mean that's the right or optimal set up.
I disagree with your way of keeping those fish. Many others would as well. Your 15 years can't compete with fact. The plecos you are keeping in hard water are probably not thriving like they should be. Another thing is high ph does not mean the water is hard.
Youre passing on info that goes against facts.

Should people start keeping Africans in soft water too

The KW area is known for having hard tap water. I don't disagree that plecos natural habitat is soft water, or that they would do well in soft water. I do disagree that you can't keep plecos in hard water or African tanks or hard water set ups. I and many other keepers are living proof of that. Far more important than providing soft water is providing consistent water parameters, and if your local source is hard water, you're better slowly acclimating them to hard water than trying to convert hard water to soft with every water change.

If you're ever in the area, I welcome you to come by and check out my fish rooms. I've got over 3000 gallons of proof and a host of happy clients that prove wild caught south American fish (plecos included) do very well in hard water.

 

[Jackson]

The KW area is known for having hard tap water. I don't disagree that plecos natural habitat is soft water, or that they would do well in soft water. I do disagree that you can't keep plecos in hard water or African tanks or hard water set ups. I and many other keepers are living proof of that. Far more important than providing soft water is providing consistent water parameters, and if your local source is hard water, you're better slowly acclimating them to hard water than trying to convert hard water to soft with every water change.

If you're ever in the area, I welcome you to come by and check out my fish rooms. I've got over 3000 gallons of proof and a host of happy clients that prove wild caught south American fish (plecos included) do very well in hard water.

To preach keeping fish in an environment ment for other fish is wrong. It goes against the idea of teaching others to do what's right for the fish/animals they keep. There are lots of hobbyist who think just because it's being done it's the right way. I disagree with that mentality.
All the time put in by the reaserchers out there is to provide us with the information to help us understand our fish/animals and so we can provide them with proper conditions. They don't publish these papers to have control over us. It's meant to be read understood and if possible followed correctly.

Since I have been keeping my plecos in soft/er water with a lower ph they have coloured up more and shown a great increase in growth. I only keep Panaque now and IMO getting 2" of growth from some in a year proves that proper water parameters is key to growth and health.
I used to think the same way that they can adapt and be fine. Yes I don't disagree with that but optimal set ups is what should be the goal of all hobbyists. It's not hard to provide them with that. If they/we spend the big bucks on fish then why not do the same to provide proper conditions? There is no excuse to not spend the time to do so.

I can say the same come by my place check out my fish or my brothers place and see whst he has cooking in his tanks. That proves nothing.
The proof is in the researchers information. People I believe no more than a few hobbyist who have different views.

I'm just not one who believes in keeping plecos in hard water. I believe in providing the proper water parameters/conditions for all my fish/animals. I am definitely not going to agree with keeping plecos or fish from SA in hard water is proper husbandry. It's anything but that. It's just trying to make the fish suit your wants not you trying to provide them with their needs.
Plus who's to say that the fish are not in some way living in discomfort? There is no absolute way to know for sure.

Adapt they will be happy who knows. I the end to each their own.

 

[The Flizzle]

Thanks for all the advice. I didnt mean to start a debate, but I have leaned a lot reading it. The LFS I went to told me to go ahead and get a pleco. I brought up it is an African tank and they said to just drip aclimate. While speaking with the salesperson, another one added, he had been keeping them in hard water for so long and they are always fine. I told them I wasnt comfortable with it and ended up with a very cool Synodontis Angelicus. Its only 2" right now but a lot of fun to watch. I considered a Synodontis Multipunctatus, but I decided I would enjoy those more in a school. Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[Jackson]

Glad to hear you're happy with your new cat

Really there is no debate. It's just a matter of providing the fish with the conditions they require. LFS guys will say whatever they can in most cases to sell a fish.
I fully agree most can tolerate hard/er water but if possible soft/er water or even in between is better then keeping them in hard or very hard water.

Optimal condition/set up should be the goal of all hobbyist.
Taking the easy road and keeping fish in conditions that better suit the person is just wrong IMO. That's all I'm trying to say. ( not directed towards anyone )

Fizzle enjoy your new syno you made a great choice.