Fishies for the new tank.

Heyyy, it's me again. I am posting again for advice, as always. xDD

I have decided to leave the idea of breeding bristlenose due to the fact that I do not have a grow out tank which could be a big issue if I cannot find anywhere to sell the fry. What I have decided to do instead is create a pleco tank with a range of different species. So, what I would like to ask is are the fish that I list good tank mates to each other.

For the following list, if you guys could answer these two questions for the fish on this list, I'd appreciate it a lot;

1) Will these fish be friendly with each other?
2) Will these fish be safe in a tank setup for a bristlenose?

So the list of plecos;

1 - Common Bristlenose
2 - L213 (http://www.dartfordaquatics.co.uk/fish_details.asp?id=737&fCat=5&fSub=93)
3 - L081 (http://www.dartfordaquatics.co.uk/fish_details.asp?id=455&fCat=5&fSub=93)
4 - LDA33 (http://www.dartfordaquatics.co.uk/fish_details.asp?id=750&fCat=5&fSub=93)

I would also like to be able to get a Flash Pleco and Zebra Pleco but I have been told that these require a stronger flow of water through the tank?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Most L No's are a lot harder to keep than common BN's and are more unforgiving about water quality. I would just get a few young Bn's for now and learn the basics of keeping them happy and well fed. Once you've mastered that then think about other plecs.

Agreed. The last thing you want is some expensive Ls dying by mistake. Stick with bn for now, they are still quite rewarding. Especially albino longfins

I like the idea of a pleco tank

If the missus would let me I would love to have a pleco tank like i used to with just Ls and peps. alas, living in a small unit does have its down sides

If you are looking into a pleco tank then I would def listen to the others about the plecos, although here is Aus we are much more careful when it comes to plecos as, for example, a zebra pleco fry at 3cms is prob going to cost about $800!!!!!!! so we like to cover our bases a bit before we jump in and buy.

The key with a pleco tank is hiding places, the more places they have to hide, the more likely you are to see them as odd as it sounds. I would firstly read up on what they need. some plecos are vege eaters, like the bristlenose, others like more meat like the Hypans, others still eat wood so you need to make sure that you have their diet covered. The other thing is that as you mentioned, some like more current others like higher temps so it is important to match the plecos you want.

Other than that, get the water right and go for it lower pH, softer water, lots of wood and hiding places and generally higher temps and bam! you got a pleco tank.

Let us know how you get on

Thanks for the replies.

I will be doing the research and getting information regarding each of the different types that could potentially go into my tank. After this, I'll see which fish will and won't be able to go into the same tank based on as you say the temperature and water flow. I'm quite confident with the diets at the moment but that's all theory and not experience so obviously, I will be ensuring that I am 100% ready for it.

I will also be starting the tank off with a few bristlenose and then add more as time goes on seeing as they aren't exactly cheap fish. xDD

You are a wise man

You will get that tank up and running in no time, just you watch. With an attitude like that you cant go wrong.

Cant wait to see some pics of it when its all up and running!