Looking for some pleco tankmates for my L046

[tony1928]

Hi everyone,

I have 6 L046 in a 33g tank and was looking to add a few pleco tankmates to the mix. Just wondering what similar sized or suitable plecos that I would be able to add to the zebras. I was originally hoping to just keep it a simple species tank but I'm getting looking to add to my collection. Any advice from you experts would be great.

Cheers,
Tony

[Chappy]

A half dozen L250's would sure look good

[2wheelsx2]

If you're hoping for breeding Tony, I would advise against it. Species tank is best. If you want, dwarf shrimp would work. A whole tank of cherry shrimp with them would be cool and would provide cleanup for you.

The concerns would be competition as the H. zebras would be outcompeted. If you really want to add something and am not too worried about getting spawns, then I would suggest Peckoltia Compta (L134) or Peckoltia Vittata (L015) as they would be small and less likely to dominate the zebs and at the same time, would not have a chance of cross-breeding. They are also higher temperature loving and can tolerate more varieties of food.

[jobber604]

I'm not a pleco expert but I'd like to share an observation I made yesterday as I saw my first hypancistrus and peckoltia squabble for territory. What about L10a, farawolla's, whiptails...tetras.

[tony1928]

Hmmm.....LOL.

A half dozen L250's would sure look good

[tony1928]

Thanks Gary. Yes, I have read that given the zebra's timid nature that there would be some concern about them being able to compete for food, or that they might be pushed around. Also, of course, for breeding, a species only tank would be best. Just looking for a change.

If you're hoping for breeding Tony, I would advise against it. Species tank is best. If you want, dwarf shrimp would work. A whole tank of cherry shrimp with them would be cool and would provide cleanup for you.

The concerns would be competition as the H. zebras would be outcompeted. If you really want to add something and am not too worried about getting spawns, then I would suggest Peckoltia Compta (L134) or Peckoltia Vittata (L015) as they would be small and less likely to dominate the zebs and at the same time, would not have a chance of cross-breeding. They are also higher temperature loving and can tolerate more varieties of food.

[tony1928]

Yeah, even the zebras themselves will occasionally raise a little hell with each other. Nothing serious.

I'd like to also get a bit more of a natural scape for them instead of my current slabs of slate and pleco caves.....maybe add some more rocks and some wood?

I'm not a pleco expert but I'd like to share an observation I made yesterday as I saw my first hypancistrus and peckoltia squabble for territory. What about L10a, farawolla's, whiptails...tetras.

[CanadaPleco]

A half dozen L250's would sure look good

Considering only a few were only ever exported and sold for like 10k each.....

I agree tho, stick to species only, especially if you want to breed. The other option that I've had good luck with is Pseudas with L46. Same diet and what not, but very different looking! L25, 273, 97, etc 114 might be a bit too much of an aggressive eater for the 46's tho.

[2wheelsx2]

Actually Ming had a good idea. Whiptails (Farlowella or Sturisoma) like the L10a would be good additions, as long as your find ones which tolerate the higher heat and can handle a high protein diet. I find my L10a not too shy, which would make it interesting. I would agree that a school of tetras like rummy nose would look stunning in that tank. Maybe a few branchy manzanita to break up the scape with an irregular jagged shape.

[tony1928]

Wouldn't some of these be way too big? I suppose it does take some time for any pleco to grow.

The other option that I've had good luck with is Pseudas with L46. Same diet and what not, but very different looking! L25, 273, 97, etc 114 might be a bit too much of an aggressive eater for the 46's tho.