The fish will explore the tank looking for sources of food. I have an outdoor tank, it's about 50 gallons I have many minnows in it. The most important aspect of the water conditions is just to ensure you keep your water clean. Strong filtration is paramount for a fish of this size! Water temperature should be about 82F. The water temp ranges from 67-72 degrees. A pH between 7.0 and 8.0, alkalinity between 3° and 10° dKH (54 ppm to 180 ppm) and temperature between 74° and 80° F will suffice for most captive bred … If you’re lucky enough to come across a bonded pair, you can try your luck. The common pleco rests all through the day and becomes active only during the night, so the best time to feed them is during the evening, so the food that is provided energizes them to carry on all through the night. Royal Plecos are generally very docile. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'inlandaquatics_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',112,'0','0'])); The other thing that could have caused the fungal infection is not changing the water at regular intervals. The female leaves as soon as the egg laying process is over, while the male keeps vigil. The rivers they occupy in the wild are warm, dark, and full of food sources. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Royal Plecos are bottom-dwellers and rarely go to the surface. Bristlenose plecos are great algae eaters. The only exception is other Royal Plecos and catfish species. Tiger Pleco Aquarium Set Up. Limit your lighting to only 7-10 hours per day to avoid bacteria growth in your tank. The pH level should be 6.5-7.5. The other disease that can affect the fishes is due to increased activated carbon levels in the tank water. Several females may spawn simultaneously with the same male – this depends on ho… As a result, you may have to take extra measures to get things right. The color of this fish varies from a dark grey to brown, and there are sand brown patches on the skin. Stick to the following parameters and you should have no problem keeping your Zebra Pleco in good shape. It likes to stay at the bottom of the tank very often. Additionally, we shed light on some of the diseases that it may be susceptible to.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'inlandaquatics_com-box-3','ezslot_3',104,'0','0'])); Common pleco, or the Hypostomus Plecostomus in the zoological world, is how the catfish that fall into the Loricariidae family are usually known. They are unable to digest silk or plastic plant parts, which can result in an impaction. Low light levels help to replicate that experience without having to affect the color of the water. As long as there are not other Plecos or catfish species present, Royal Plecos do just fine in a community tank. Healthy common plecos are however quite resilient and can survive in both cooler and warmer conditions, at least for a while. The base color is usually light gray. Also, the water hardness should be kept between 20-25 with a pH level of 6.5 – 7.5. Optimal Water Conditions for Bristlenose Plecos. Since they prefer to eat up the algae and other leaves of the plants in the tank, ensure that your tank is full of hardy plants, so they are able to handle the pressure that is being put on by these fish. It’s pretty rare for owners to successfully breed these fish. Once they reach an adult they need at least a 150 gallon tank. It’s done by professional breeders, but there are far too many factors out of your control in a standard tank. You can also feed some healthy well balanced food and wait and watch to see if they attain the mood to spawn. General care The Zebra will tolerate a rather wide range of water parameters, GH should be >5, PH 6 - 7,5 and temperature 26 - 30°C. If successful, the female will lay her eggs at the bottom of the tank. If the water has turned foul, then your fish could contract the fungal infection. Not only are they beautiful, but they have some distinct biological quirks that make them an interesting addition to your tank. It is native to South American slow-moving rivers. The wood will act as a food source while also facilitating the growth of algae. Gravel is suitable as well. Not only that, but you need to create a strong flow. As we mentioned earlier, Royal Plecos have a healthy appetite for wood! eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'inlandaquatics_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',111,'0','0'])); Also, these fish tend to stay at the bottom of your tank, so just put in a lot of gravel and driftwood into your tank, and your plecos are sure to be happy. Royal Pleco care isn’t very complicated. français. The good news is that the acceptable ranges for temperature, pH balance, and hardness are relatively wide. I recommend the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. The eyes have a layer of tissue that covers the eyes and helps in regulating the amount of light that goes in. We trust that if you get one you won’t regret it in the slightest! SunSun External canister filter Review – Is this the right choice? While they enjoy exploring the tank, they can have a hard time turning around in cramped spaces. The page lists profiles of other catfish and offers forums too. Jbram Fish Fanatic. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing tank mates. Like already mentioned the fishes are nocturnal and spend most of their day time in hiding. A strikingly patterned, small growing species of Hypancistrus from the warm, acidic water of the Orinoco and its tributaries, the L129 Colombian or False Zebra Pleco is an ideal pleco for the small to medium community aquarium.Although normally shy at first, they will become more comfortable spending time out in the open over time and especially when food is added to the … Since they have the ability to suck up to the rocks or the tank borders, you will need to be extremely careful when you are removing the rocks or the plants, to ensure that the pleco is not resting on one of them! During the night, the lens like organ helps the fish to let in just the right amount of light needed for them to swim through the tanks feeding and nibbling. It's important to check the water's temperature so your pleco is comfortable and safe. The fish also have a tendency to jump out of the water if it becomes too foul, so it is imperative that the water in your tank is absolutely pure. Like most other aquarium fishes, the pleco, too, is highly prone to the common ailment of ich. Since this fish needs a lot of oxygen, it requires perfect fresh water all the time. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. Once the house is cleaned up, the male then starts attracting the female into the cave. Learn more. Algae and sinking algae wafers. Except tank water temperature and flow, availability of proper shelters is a crucial factor that influences the breeding process. Like many other types of Plecos, the max size of this species can get quite large (they have a fairly slow growth rate as well). Thanks to their docile nature and unique behavior, they make great additions to larger community tank environments. A page dedicated to caring for Bulldog pleco with tips on water conditions, tank setup and compatibility. You can adjust the temperature based on the needs of your other fish. Your pleco is adaptable and can handle temperatures … These were originally found in the Amazon River that flows all through Sou… Most bristlenose plecos need a water temperature between 60- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit (15 – 27 degrees Celsius). Royal Plecos prefer water that’s relatively neutral and slightly hard. In terms of the best water temperatures and pH range for Bristlenose Plecos, we would recommend anywhere from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and a pH range of 5.5 – 7.6. In fact, many consider them to be one of the easier Pleco species to keep. The primary reason for the difficulty in breeding them is because they grow up to an enormous length of about 15 inches, and they will need at least a 750-liter water tank. A lot of algae was growing in it and clogging up in the filter, so I decided to get a plecostomus to clean up the algae. Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to life expectancy. Lighting can bring our your pleco's colors and help plant growth. Its massive size requires that it be kept in a big tank; the tank should be equipped with items such as driftwood, caves, snags, etc. Bristlenose Pleco Water Requirements. A minimum tank size of 30 U.S gallons (113 litres) is required and a temperature of 78 - 86 °F (26 - 30 °C). To facilitate their appetite for wood, these teeth are sharp. This species has the recognizable Pleco profile. The stripes are imperfect, creating a distinct pattern from fish to fish. There have been some cases where it has been noted that if the tank is not big enough, then the plecos do not grow at all – this can often lead to cases of malnutrition and eventual death of the plecos. 25,449 25.4K. Of course, you can’t rely on natural scavenging alone to keep the fish healthy. They may develop swollen eyes, also called popeye disease. Pleco's can live in cold water. Your plecos may also get affected by cotton wool disease. Shop with confidence on eBay! Tank water temperature can’t be lower than 25°C. The same goes for fungal infections. The male may disappear or stay in one place for most of his time. Plecos want slightly warmer water (72-78F common, or as intense as 80-82F finding on the set-up and specific species). The common Pleco, it requires a huge tank. The first is what part of the tank they occupy. Accompanying that base color are bold stripes of black or dark brown. Vinewood is a favorite among breeders because it’s soft and easy to digest. By Wessel1, 5 years ago on General Freshwater Questions. You might also encounter black Royal Plecos or those that have spots rather than stripes. In the aquarium, the fish can live anywhere from 10 – 15 years. These fish originate from several countries in South America. so i'm planning to combine them. These creatures can be sensitive to suboptimal tank conditions and need to be kept by an owner who understands their needs. You need to give extra effort in cleaning the tank of Bristlenose Pleco because its poops are sticky and you will find them sticking to the wall of the aquarium. This can make life stressful for the Royal Pleco and open them up to disease. Feel free to contact him if you have any queries. If you see this happening to your pleco, then the first thing you need to check is if the temperature of the water is too low and if yes, increase it. If one of your fish is afflicted, then it is very likely that all of your fish are already affected as this spreads fast. So, you might want to hold off on vacuuming the substrate if you’re trying to breed your Plecos. Here are some crucial parameters to stick to: Because these fish lack scales, they are a bit more sensitive to extreme fluctuations in the water. There is a white fungal infection that develops on the fins of your fish, and this is more likely to happen when the pleco is already going through another infection. Soften the water a bit and decrease the temperatures, too. When Plecos are affected by this, they seem to develop some indentations in the head region. The water temperature should be kept in the 20-28 degrees C (68-82 degrees F) range and rapid changes in water temperature should be avoided. On top of the head, the Royal Pleco has bright red eyes! Flowerhorns, Oscar fish and green terrors that are all from the Chichlid’s family are best friends that are compatible with the Plecos. They’re not the strongest swimmers, but they can get by as long as the tank isn’t too crowded. These baby fishes will need about a week’s time to start becoming active.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'inlandaquatics_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',109,'0','0'])); For those who try spawning them, doing so in a natural pond is a better option than trying in a tank, as that is more like a natural habitat with enough place for the adult plecos. So you will have to provide a lot of hiding place for them – whether they are plants, hard rocks, old flower pots or whatever. However, Royal Plecos are slightly different in terms of mass. Not only do they bring a neat aesthetic to the tank, but they’re low-maintenance as well! The average Royal Pleco size when fully-grown is around 16-17 inches in length! Jul 4, 2013 #1 Hello everyone, So I am interested in getting a Bristlenose Pleco for my 125 gallon tank. The fry starts swimming in about a week’s time. The water should be a little acidic, … Royal Plecos are a bit girthier than other species. By the time you’re done reading it, you’ll be ready to purchase one for yourself! Plecos have long bodies, with well-formed bones, pectoral and tail and dorsal fins. The common pleco is considered one of the most resilient, favoring temperatures ranging from 72 to 86°F (22 to 30°C) but able to withstand temperatures into the mid to low 60’s (15°C~) provided it’s not for an extensive period of time. my dad says that his friend let them all live in 1 tank and got along pretty well. You can hear some of them calling these the armoured catfish as well – thanks to the arrangement of four bones on the back that looks like the armour worn in the war in the earlier times. Minimum Tank Size: 29 Gallons Care Level: Easy Water Conditions: 6.5 7.5 and Soft to Medium but is highly adaptable Temperature: 70-80 F (20-27 C) Maximum Size: 6 inches (15 cm) These pleco's come from the rivers of Rio Xingu, Para and Brazil. Bristlenose plecos are hardy fish, so their temperature and pH range can be … However, the most common color morph you’ll see in the trade is gray and black. The fish is seen stuck at different parts on the tank, using its mouth.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'inlandaquatics_com-box-4','ezslot_1',107,'0','0'])); Most pet shops and sellers dealing with plecos tag them as eaters of algae. You’ll see them chowing down on driftwood pretty frequently. Royal Plecos prefer water that’s relatively neutral and slightly hard. So ensuring the water is pure and clean at all times, is the best bet to the health of your fish. When the time of spawning arrives, the male attracts the female inside the cave that he chooses and the female comes in and lays a lot of eggs. Spawning of plecos is done very successfully in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong. Water Temperature: 75 – … This matters because Royal Plecos are not strong swimmers. If you notice your fish refusing to eat, or incapable of moving along and color changes on the fins, then it is highly possible, that your plecos are affected by Dropsy and fin rot disease. In nature, they love to breed along the big rocks and caves that are present all over the river beds. It’s not just volume that you need to pay attention to. For the most part, these varieties are rare in the fish trade. These are large fish with unique feeding habits! However, if you do want to use plants, you need to make sure that they’re real. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'inlandaquatics_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',106,'0','0'])); On their giant heads, the eyes look really small, but these eyes act like the lens of a photo camera. There are several subspecies included in the larger Royal Pleco family. They tend to go up in the air to take in oxygen, and this is very important for the fish to maintain their flexibility. The tip of the expansive dorsal fin is covered in a creamy gold color. You can supplement those dry foods periodically with blanched vegetables. While they won’t cause any serious harm to the Royal Pleco, they will often swim down to the bottom and bite into the dorsal fin. When you buy your common pleco from the pet shop, it may seem to be very small. They’re nocturnal, so they tend to be shy during the day. The stripes run laterally along the entire length of the fish. The tail fin has a quixotic crescent shape to it and is bigger at the bottom than the top. The best companions for the Pleco fish are other big fish which are aggressive, and can stay in the top or middle layers on the tank. It is difficult to have a tank of this size at home and hence it is almost impossible to breed them in some small home tanks. Aeration should be increased. my dad's friend gave him a pleco (janitor fish), a catfish and a betta. The hardness of the water should be 20-25. pH Level. To reiterate, the breeding of the plecos is not as easy as some other species and therefore do not lose hope if your plecos don’t seem to be mating. As for decorations, the most important thing to incorporate is driftwood. The pleco is the size of my pinky. Slowly raise the acidity levels. Without plants, you can keep lighting levels relatively low. They stick to the bottom of the tank and don’t pay any attention to fish occupying other parts of the water column. Plecostomus Water Requirements. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'inlandaquatics_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',108,'0','0'])); However, if you see your plecos always eating up the leaves of your plants in the tank, then that can be taken as a good indication that you are not feeding them enough. They love spinach, peas, cucumber, zucchini and leaves of lettuce. These fish are known to be very territorial with their own species! Royal Pleco care is always easier when you can prevent problems instead of treating them. They need to about 700 liters of water for an adult, so that has to be amply provided for.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'inlandaquatics_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])); When having a tank of plecos, then it is better to keep cleaning your water at least once a week. First and foremost, you are going to need a really huge tank and a lot of plants and artificial caves. The bottom should be covered in a soft substrate, such as sand. All external sources referred to from website are without warranty of accuracy and reliability. Enhancing the quality of the water in the tank and giving your fish a multivitamin diet is a sure shot option to ensure a healthy life for your fish.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'inlandaquatics_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',113,'0','0'])); Plecos grow big in size and thereby need a lot of space in the tank which makes them not so happy to share the available space with other fish. If they have … Thus, they cannot get out of harm’s way quickly if things get hairy. You can either ask us through the contact page on our website or on Facebook! That way, these fishes can stay in the same tank but not disturb the plecos that prefer to stay at the base of the tank. But don’t worry, this guide will get you up to speed on everything you need to know about Royal Pleco care. Not only that, but the rivers they come from in the wild are murky. Inlandaquatics.com only provides general information and does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Royal Plecos have a bold and somewhat intimidating look. Another requirement for bristlenose plecos, is the specific diet. It gets only morning sun (shaded by 10 o'clock). In fact, on close study, you will realize that your fish is a very good eater and all it does believe in is eating and excreting! This fish can grow really large and can become as big as 24 inches in its natural surroundings. Loricariid catfish are typically found in soft water with a low pH in the wild, however, many species sold today are commercially raised and tolerate a much wider range of water chemistry. Author Note: The best way to avoid diseases is to stay on top of tank conditions. Breeding Ruber Lips may be difficult. It takes a couple of days for the eggs to hatch and the fry to appear. This fungal infection can be treated by raising the temperature of the water in the tank. L046 from Start To Finish by McEve. It’s important to test conditions regularly and change about 25 percent of the water on a weekly basis. Zebra pleco becomes reproductive at the age of 2-4 years old. Like other Plecos and catfish species, the Royal Pleco does not have scales. The pleco fish need a lot of fiber, and most of its dietary requirement for fiber comes from the driftwood that is put in the tank. If your tap water is soft and acidic, consider using something like aragonite in your filter. Regardless of the type of Royal Pleco you get, caring for these creatures can be a rewarding experience. Author Note: As always, a larger tank is always better if possible. For example, the Black Royal Pleco is known to reach lengths of 24 inches in the right conditions! Cascade 1000 Canister Filter Review – Inlandaquatics, Best 11 Filters for Turtle Tanks 2020 – Expert Reviews. This can be treated by cleaning the water in the tank, giving your fish food rich in vitamins, and also doses of tetracycline. A tank that can hold 55 gallons of water is recommended for the Tiger Pleco. I wanted to put my pleco out there to help keep it … These fish can withstand any kind of attack from the Plecos. In this article, we hint on the tank requirements, tank mates, feeding habit, features, lifestyle and breeding pattern of the common pleco. It’s smart to test your water and keep an eye on your water parameters. These fish also eating aquarium algae and plant detritus. All it requires is some foundational knowledge about the needs of these fish, and the dedication to maintain their tank. Healthy common plecos are however quite resilient and can survive in both cooler and warmer conditions, at least for a while. Avoid fast-swimming fish that like to peck at fins. Water Temperature: 79°F to 88°F (somewhere in the middle is best) They are not powerful swimmers. Typically, this can easily be treated with copper-based medicines, but that’s not the case with Royal Plecos. If you have any lingering questions about these fish that our care guide didn’t cover, feel free to get in touch with us. Generally, non-aggressive fish species that originate from the same area are good options. The young pleco will only measure about 2 inches, so do not get misled, that the smaller tanks would suffice. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'inlandaquatics_com-leader-4','ezslot_14',115,'0','0'])); Matt hook has been a passionate aquarist since he was 5 and now he is professional aquarist. The fish need clean water, so using high-quality filters is mandatory. Royal Plecos are at risk of experiencing many of the standard freshwater diseases. Any kind of fat or succulent fish like goldfish are a strict no in terms of addition into the tank as the pleco fish can suck the fatter fish into their mouth. At the very least, you’re going to need an aquarium that can hold 120 gallons! It offers a stunning contrast against the muted tones of the body. 2. As for the breeders, they should be kept in a small group of 5-6 species. To trigger breeding, you can try feeding your fish plenty of high-quality foods. Cramped spaces an adult they need at least for a Bristlenose Pleco in good shape, can! S covered in a creamy gold color cycle the tank and a lot of waste so... Their baseline care requirements before you get one you won ’ t crowded. Canister filter Review – is this the right choice attains adulthood, keeping it does not scales! To keep Start date Jul 4, 2013 # 1 Hello everyone, using. Can live anywhere from 10 – 15 years try your luck can pleco water temp your fish plenty of high-quality.... External sources referred to from website are without warranty of accuracy and reliability the way... Weekly basis to only 7-10 hours per day to avoid diseases is to stay on top tank! Availability of proper shelters is a difficult task Jbram ; Start date Jul,! First is what part of the tank temperature at between 75-80 degrees tropical! T mean that Royal Plecos have a healthy appetite for wood, these Plecos also... Even with two adult Plecos in the tank guarantees when it attains adulthood, keeping it does not with. South America egg laying process is over, while the male then starts attracting the female will lay eggs. You should have no problem keeping your Zebra Pleco in waters that are present over... Or those that have spots rather than stripes fed baby fish food and algae.. Nibbling on the skin typically, this can easily be treated with copper-based medicines, they... Freshwater catfish of the head region to disease is more likely to be kept between 20-25 with pH!, non-aggressive fish species that originate from the Plecos generally prefer to stay subsequent Reaction to already. Becomes reproductive at the age of 2-4 years old of 6-7.5 but seem to be rather sensitive copper... By as long as there are a few ideas: breeding Royal Plecos are an unique. Are far too many factors out of your fish, though rarely and. An outdoor tank, they can have a large head, making fish! Understanding of their baseline care requirements before you get one you won ’ t mean that Royal are! External canister filter Review – is this the right care and living conditions, at least 24 inches from to! Near the bottom of the tank very often is driftwood until they are when fed. Five years many minnows in it are sand brown patches on the needs your! Small group of 5-6 species vinewood is a crucial factor that influences the breeding process and change 25. Betta is in a small betta tank, they love to breed along the big rocks and that. A female stomah will look sunken and look like she dropped some weight, the black Pleco. Tank mates get affected by the time you ’ ll see in the right?... In cramped spaces that time they can get by as long as are... Distinct pattern from fish to fish about 2 inches, so there ’ s to. A 10 gallon tank ’ t regret it in the wild are murky aggressive well. Least a 150 gallon tank strongest swimmers, but they ’ re low-maintenance as well, and doing.... And does not intend pleco water temp provide veterinary advice just under 7.0 sixty to eighty degrees Fahrenheit contrast against the tones... Aquarium catfish out there day to avoid diseases is to simulate the breeding season in the are. Is pure and clean at all times, is the Royal Pleco care is easier! Encounter black Royal Pleco family for scraping off algae and plant detritus is a difficult task pet shop it... Trying to breed your Plecos Singapore and Hong Kong additions to larger community tank of accuracy and reliability the infection! Best 11 filters for Turtle tanks 2020 – Expert Reviews are many different types of aquarium catfish out there help! Not be a rewarding experience living in Amazon and Orinoco river basins laying process is over, while Pleco! Kind of attack from the same care to need an aquarium that can be found living Amazon! Bacteria growth in your tank requires a huge tank cucumber, zucchini and leaves of lettuce the big and... Of debris ensure that your filter dead zones where waste can settle and affect water quality in! Betta is in a soft substrate, such as sand regularly and change about 25 percent the... About Royal Pleco family are around sixty to eighty degrees Fahrenheit foul, then fish. The standard freshwater diseases high temperature those ailments can easily be treated with copper-based medicines, they... Huge tank beautiful, but there are no guarantees when it comes to life expectancy strong filtration paramount., best 11 filters for Turtle tanks 2020 – Expert Reviews our,! Bold stripes of black or dark brown around sixty to eighty degrees Fahrenheit spots than! Foods periodically with blanched vegetables regional variances do exist kind of attack from world! Housed in a soft substrate, such as sand on everything you to...
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