Blood parrots and a pleco?

[video5]

I currently have a 23 some gallon custom octagon tank with two small-ish blood parrots in it. i would really like to introduced a pleco, but would the parrots pick on it? If so...are there any other bottom feeders/cleaners that I could put in with them? Hooray for just joining and for my first thread!

 

[BristlenosePleco]

Blood parrots are usually peacful. And even still most fish wont even touch a pleco. If you want advice on what type of pleco? Then you sould get a bristlenose, or a rubber lipped pleco. they stay fairly small about 6". but if its plecos you are worried about? You can get a small fleet of Oto cats about four or five would be good in your tank.

 

[video5]

Through much thought and reassurance, I actually got a dinosaur bichir. I have always really liked them and my LFS said they should be able to survive with blood parrots. They stick around with arowanas pretty well so...My only concern is that my parrots are being territorial, expected and he is hanging out at the top because of it..should I just give him some time, or should I rearrange the tank and have all three reestablish territory? I greatly appreciate all help!

 

[tom91970]

For what's worth I maintain a tank with four fully grown blood parrots and a 12 inch and a 14 inch pleco. The parrots never bother the plecos.

 

[video5]

thanks! in the beginning i think that that was what i was looking for =P whats the best type for a 21 gallon? as far as size goes

 

[el_batty]

blood parrots are aggressive in nature..make sure to drop creatures that can hold their own..dont think of cory as they would start going missing from the time they drop in.

 

[Severum]

I recently lost my beloved pleco, he was eight years old and a tough old guy. Magnificent sail fin, I sure miss seeing him cruise around after dark. He lived with my BP and Severums, and the cichlids never, ever messed with him. I've since replaced him with a young Candystripe Pleco, and the large cichlids don't mess with that one either. It's like they know he's there to help keep them clean.

All that being said, your tank may be too small for your BP's. They will get large and then they may feel crowded and cranky. Keep an eye open for a larger environment for them, such as a 55.

 

[video5]

That's what the guy at Petsmart said, that they would get big. But I've had the tank since January and they are healthy as can be...idk if it applies to BP's, but they are cichlids, and most cichlids grow as big as their tank parameters allow, if I'm not mistaken? They're about 1 1/2-2 inches long each.

 

[OrangeCones]

But I've had the tank since January and they are healthy as can be...idk if it applies to BP's, but they are cichlids, and most cichlids grow as big as their tank parameters allow, if I'm not mistaken?

All fish can be stunted by being kept in tanks too small.

 

[video5]

Good point, thanks...As of right now though, 55 is not possible =( I don't know if I have it in me to give up my bloods...