I saw some nice little clown plecos at Exotic Aquatics last night. I was tempted to get one but not sure how they would do in planted tanks. Does anyone have any experience with these fish in planted tanks?
Thanks,
Paul
Clown Plecos in planted tanks
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chris_todd
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- Location: Catonsville
Paul,
I don't know what a "clown" pleco is, but if you haven't seen it yet, this is what a standard pleco can do to an otherwise beautiful aquascape:
http://www.gwapa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3323
In fact, you remind me that I should probably post some updated pictures of that tank - nearly all the plants have been removed, and it is now a mostly unplanted Lake Malawi cichlid tank with PVC caves.
I gave up on creating a scape for Plucky...
I don't know what a "clown" pleco is, but if you haven't seen it yet, this is what a standard pleco can do to an otherwise beautiful aquascape:
http://www.gwapa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3323
In fact, you remind me that I should probably post some updated pictures of that tank - nearly all the plants have been removed, and it is now a mostly unplanted Lake Malawi cichlid tank with PVC caves.
I gave up on creating a scape for Plucky...
Paul, generally speaking, if the pleco is one of the smaller varieties that get up to 3-6" as an adult, you'll probably okay. Chris' pleco was the common variety that turns into a beast of a fish, and knock things over. I keep a few different ancistrus species and consider them a fabulous addition to my aquariums.
From what I've read, the clown pleco is one of the smaller plecos reaching only about 4" in length as an adult. Apparently, they like to eat wood but not much was mentioned about plants. They are very cool looking little guys. I was so tempted to get one.
BTW, I wish Exotic Aquatics was closer. It is a really nice store.
BTW, I wish Exotic Aquatics was closer. It is a really nice store.
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DonkeyFish
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I kept a clown pleco for some time in what was my betta tank. I have to say, that guy was charming as all heck. Not any trouble at all, and was my first introduction to the "pleco wiggle". Not all plecos do it, but some species while resting, if happy, will alternately wiggle their opposite pairs of fins while perched on their favorite spot. To this day it is how I pick plecos, LOL.
They do stay small, and are peaceful. I heard once someone say that they would destroy plants, but I NEVER had any issue with that. You know how the internet goes, you can find someone saying anything if you look hard enough. I'd say so long as they have food to eat that *isn't* your plants, they will leave the plants alone.
Get it. Or a couple. They're neat. IIRC someone local had bred them and was selling off the spawn in the last couple of weeks...if you're looking for another option.
They do stay small, and are peaceful. I heard once someone say that they would destroy plants, but I NEVER had any issue with that. You know how the internet goes, you can find someone saying anything if you look hard enough. I'd say so long as they have food to eat that *isn't* your plants, they will leave the plants alone.
Get it. Or a couple. They're neat. IIRC someone local had bred them and was selling off the spawn in the last couple of weeks...if you're looking for another option.
It is not murder if you're killing snails.
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ddavila06
- GWAPA Member
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- Real Name: Damian Davila
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I have clown plecos, a bunch, like 6 or so and had them for like 3 years...got them at supers pets when they were inexpensive now the prices are up. they are awesome, no issues whatsoever and they stay small and clean some of the tank 
get a few, depending on your tank size of course. take care
get a few, depending on your tank size of course. take careDamian Davila
"Fishes-up, chill, Plants too"
"so many plants, so little space!"
"Fishes-up, chill, Plants too"
"so many plants, so little space!"
