Pleco Suggestions

[paige]

I would like to get a small pleco for my 46g tank...so something probably no bigger than 5". I definitely like the Zebras and Queen Arabesques...but none of my LFSs have any right now. And since it's currently 108 degrees here (TX), ordering online really isn't an option for several months. What are some other ones I can look for while I'm out browsing? The only ones I know I don't like are BNs...too funky.

 

[Pure]

It really depends on what is available to you locally. I can sit here and make a 2 page long wish list for you. But it would be kind of pointless if you can only get one or 2 of them locally. You can also talk to your Mom and Pop LFS and see what they can get. They normally get the import sheets a week in advance. The smaller LFS are normally more willing to work with you and place a special order for you.

Have a look here Planet Catfish :: Cat-eLog :: Common Names for a list of L numbers and info on them.

Ordering online during this time of the yr isn't an issue, but you will need to pay a little extra for overnight delivery.

Most sellers on Aquabid have arrive alive guarantees, so if they don't make it, you're covered. AquaBid.com - Your Aquatic Auction Website

 

[FishLuvr]

generally zebras arent going to be found in a LFS and if by some chance you do find one at your LFS and its a TRUE zebra let me know ill fly down there in a heart beat lol, They are RARE and EXPENSIVE, ive been beating Pure and Pleco collectors EARS to death about them, i'm sure they are getting tired or me.

As for suggestions, there are many that stay small, depends on what you like check out Planet Catfish :: Welcome! for pictures and information on some nice ones. Me myself i have a clown pleco. stays around 4-5 inches. very shy, and peaceful, and doesnt destroy plants. exactly what i was looking for

good luck
kevin

 

[Lotus]

Are you looking for one that eats algae, or just because you like plecos? There are several that are more usually available that are nice, but don't eat algae. One that comes to mind is the clown or flash plecos. The smaller species of gold nugget plecos also seem to come up occasionally in LFS. If you see a pleco you like at the store, but don't know what it is, have the store hold it while you research. It's very easy to pick up a gorgeous pleco, then come home and find out that it will get to 18" or more.

I hear you about the temperatures, I won't order anything online this time of year, either. Even if I get them sent to work or take the day off, I still worry about them sitting in a hot van for the day. I've learned to be patient, and wait for the summer to be over.

 

[paige]

Yeah, I don't order in the summer...it's 9pm and still 95 degrees...no cool pack can really do much in this weather.

The pleco doesn't need to eat algae. One LFS sells a ton of different, interesting plecos, but I never know how big they get...and apparently neither do the people that work there. They used to have true Zebras, but not lately...and I wouldn't mind paying that much for one. They also sell queen's off and on. You can request things from them...but they won't actually order them unless there's a lot of intrrest.

The other LFS I frequent doesn't sell them at all. I wish you could search by max size on planet catfish...there's soooo many.

 

[MOsborne05]

Check out past threads in the pleco section, I know we've talked about them many times. When I started looking for a plec, I looked through the old threads and compiled a list of all of the ones that stay around 7" or smaller. I got a flash (L204) and I love him. He isn't an algae eater, but he's purty

http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/bottomfeeder-discussion/37256-pleco-should-i-get.html
http://www.myfishtank.net/forum/bottomfeeder-discussion/36117-plecos-30ish-gallon.html

 

[paige]

I'm looking at my LFS website...they list new arrivals. They have Blue Nuggets (L128)...I like those...is 7" too big?

What an L244 Dumus pleco? They also have that one but I can't find a picture of it.

 

[Pure]

In a 46 gal you can keep ANY of the hypancistrus species. Look up L66; 174; 262; 333; 136; 004; 287; 201. These are some of the ones that are commonly imported. If you want rare try for L340; 399; 400. But be expected to pay for them, average price is about 80 bucks each.

Some other ones that are small enough for your tank and commonly imported, 134; 204; 239; 002; 226; 030; 007. It's a shame you don't want any BNS, LDA08s and L059; 182; 183 are very nice and also commonly imported.

 

[Pure]

L 244 PlanetCatfish :: Cat-eLog :: Loricariidae :: Pseudolithoxus dumus
Max length is 12cm SL. (note SL doesn't include the tail)

L128's real common name would be Blue phantom" it is the same species as L200 witch is composed of 2 species that is about to be separated. They are plant munchers and in a 46 will beat the crap out of any other bottom dweller you put in there. Very territorial plecs.

L128 PlanetCatfish :: Cat-eLog :: Loricariidae :: Hemiancistrus sp(l128)

Also add L316; and L129 to the list of commonly imported Hyps.

 

[paige]

Thanks for your help. I've decided I definitely want either a black one with white polka dots, or a black & white squiggly one, like the L66. I guess I'll keep researching and keep my eyes peeled.

 

[MOsborne05]

Paige is that a dane in your avatar?

 

[paige]

No..it's a mutt...it was a puppy in this picture...the mom was a dalmatian mix. He did have very dane-like features though. He was in a litter of 5 that I fostered...he was definitely the biggun' of the group. Each one looked totally different...one looked just like a chow...they were a strange mix.

*Edit*: Oh, and I got a farlowella cat today instead of a plec...he's cool...he took a ride on the algae magnet...apparently that is how lazy they are. I believe planet catfish refers to them as "furniture" -- I can see why.