Poll: suggestions for a new pleco

**fishmommie** · 11-12-2012, 01:50 PM

So - the polls are open
I want another pleco for my 90. Stock: 1 angel, 7 congos, 3 BP's, 1 gold sev, 1 geo and 1 emperor plec. I've got plenty of filtration, do rigorous water maintenance and have a big leggy piece of driftwood that is lush (but not out of control) with fine, gorgeous beard algae. I love how it looks in the tank - very natural and earthy. My emperor needs some help keeping it manicured :o)

I want something that stays fairly small - around 4 inches or less, is showy, hardy and is fairly social - meaning it won't hideALL the time.

Saw a gorgeous long finned albino BN P at my LFS last week. Also a long fin clown. Have been wary of buying either for fear of fin nipping. do you see that as a potential issue with my other stock?

Really want to hear about your fav plecos and why you like them.

Thanks!!

**ScottishFish** · 11-12-2012, 02:24 PM

I love clowns

BN's could also be an option, I had an L260, was a gorgeous wee fish.

**fishmommie** · 11-12-2012, 03:01 PM

Scottish fish - I've just looked at your pleco picts.
Your clowns are very nice. specifically what is it about them you like so much? are they visible or do they hide?

Also, your black plec with the gold spots is gorgeous. I google and found it's a gold nugget. reaches up to 8 inches. He's little larger than I'd want but am wondering about their growth rate since they can live 25 years. Are they fast or slow growers? Still wondering if he would be a good choice.

Also the royal is stunning. but I just checked their profile. Yikes. up to 1'4" and require a 125 gal so one of those guys are out.

Do you think that I'd have trouble with long fins - either a BN or a clown?
thanks

**ScottishFish** · 11-12-2012, 03:49 PM

I love my clowns as they are playful little characters, always moving around the tank. Its funny watching them squabble over their veggies. They do take a while to colour up, mines are still gaining colour and I've had them for a good few months now.

Gold nugget . . . . Now there's a fish, such striking colour! Do hide more than clowns but by far make up for it when they do come out. Very slow growers.

I don't have a 125+ tank yet but I do own royals, same reason as gold nugget, they are really slow slow growers. You could get a happy 6-10years out of a royal in your 90G if you bought it at 1-2inch.

**fishmommie** · 11-12-2012, 04:04 PM

Okay. Now I'm in a quandry. LOL you've given me too many choices. Seriously, though, thanks. I feel more comfortable thinking about a gold nugget or a royal knowing they have such a slow growth rate. I know I can always return them to my LFS if they get too big too fast as there is a demand for them.
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I'll see what my lfs has in stock next time I'm there. He had some really nice long fin BNPs in but again... I'm wondering what you think about the possibility of my angel or sev nipping at his pretty fins.
any thoughts on that?