Replacement Pl*co

[rommel39]

I have a common pl*co in my 20 gallon tank, I did not realize when I bought him that he would one day get too big for the tank (as of right now he is only 4inches long) but he cleans the tank so great its hard to think of life without him. Does anyone know of a fish that cleans as well as this fish, is as friendly, but will not get as large, thanks

 

[FroggyFox]

Otocinclus (Ottos) will stay small and unlike plecos, they dont stop eating algae after awhile. I would say you should get 2 or 3 for a 20G. They're very cute too

 

[rommel39]

I read that ottos continually feed and that because they are eating all the time and because they are small they have to have a constant food source because they are prone to stravation? Is this true, is there anyway different I would have to treat this fish than my other fish. Also read they are prone to white spot when they are first put in the tank? thanks for the help

 

[Swimz]

Went through the same thing 3 times in 8 years with plecos outgrowing my 60gal. tank. Actually they just got to the point where they were "outputting" more than I could stand. It looked like someone dropped 5 or 6 strands of brown spaghetti in my tank all the time !

I have used a CAE Chinese Algae Eater since giving away my last pleco. Although he doesn't do much glass cleaning any more either, now that he's about 4" long (maybe about 3 or 4 years old). Those little Otto guys look about the same. I might just buy a new baby CAE or 2 every 3 years, as they are Excellent algae eaters when young.

 

[FroggyFox]

Some ottos aren't fed well in the fish stores before you get them...but generally they'll be fine feeding off of what your tank provides. If you're worried, you can feed them some cucumber slices once in awhile...or drop an algae wafer in for them. One per 10 gallons seems to be the "rule."

Some people have had problems with them dying when you first get them...but I haven't. I bought two and still have them from at least 6 months.

 

[ctxmonitor]

Yea I just got 3 otto cat and they seem to be doing fine. Its been a week now and they are constantly moving sucking on everything.

 

[Violet]

There are also types of plecos that stay small. Some only get about 4-6 inches. Can't think of the names right now, too early in the morning! Not enough sleep! Check out some on a search and I will try to think of some names later.

 

[TurbineSurgeon]

Rubber lip and bristlenose pl*cos both stay small