Interesting plecos that wont break the bank?

[four_by_ken]

So, I have started to get a thing for plecos.  Never really cared about them before. 

Every time I bring one home… put it in the tank… then cuss them out because they disappear into the rocks.  But yet, I still look for new ones.

I have a couple bristlenose, nothing too special… they just look kind of freaky.

A clown pleco… I NEVER see this one.  Oh well.  I think it is still in the tank.

A Rhino Pleco, just got this one.  Real cool looking, but we will see how fast it grows.

A Spiney Monster.  Had this in my 140 gallon and it started to get beat up.  So, I moved it.  Doesn’t look too special now… but, cant wait for it to get larger.




So, what are some other interesting plecos that wont break the bank?

[linuxrulesusa]

What are you keeping them with?  If africans, I would not risk some of the more expensive (even low end) ones as they may get eyes bitten, etc.  Bristlenose and commons and leopard sailfin and the larger ones are usually fine...and clowns, since they hide all the time.    If youw ant to see your clown more, put some driftwood toward the front of the tank (and only there) - he'll be out on it as they love (and need) driftwood.

Others that aren't too expensive:

Butterfly pleco (L052) - I've seen these for around $15 each (but not always available)
Inspector/contradens/snowball - These can go for $10-20 each depending on size - I got a pair for $30 at a recent auction.
L270, L333, etc - some of these interestingly squiggle-patterned plecos can be found for relatively cheap ($10-30 each depending on size and where you get them)

I'm sure there's others but those are some I'm familiar with.

Oh, and Pet Supplies Plus often has cheap plecos mixed in...usually commons/sailfins but the occasional clown and/or ancistrus sp. variant for a few bucks or well under $10.

[djlamonica]

Maybe try green dragons lemon drops or long fin variants lots of different bn variants that are cheaper then hyp. And also a bit hardier.

[four_by_ken]

All my tanks are Africans of some sort.

The Peacocks, Calvus, Compressiceps and Albus dont seem to bother them.  It was in the mixed 140 gallon mixed/Mbuna tank where the spiney monster got beat up.  Luckily just the fins.  Its just a little guy for now.

Some nice suggestions to look out for. 

Any more?

[GrizzlysDad]

You could try any of the Royal pleco variants...they are very hardy, as long as you feed them properly and are sure to keep a bit of wood for them to graze on. They seem to stand up well to Old World cichlids too.

[four_by_ken]

You could try any of the Royal pleco variants...they are very hardy, as long as you feed them properly and are sure to keep a bit of wood for them to graze on. They seem to stand up well to Old World cichlids too.

Well, we are going to give that one I am picking up from the coast to coast swap a try.  See you Sunday!

[GrizzlysDad]

You could try any of the Royal pleco variants...they are very hardy, as long as you feed them properly and are sure to keep a bit of wood for them to graze on. They seem to stand up well to Old World cichlids too.

Well, we are going to give that one I am picking up from the coast to coast swap a try.  See you Sunday!

LOL, I didn't realize you were the same "Ken" that I had emailed. See ya Sunday.

[Regalblue]

I'd recommend the L191&L190 Royals.
Not sure on the number. But the Leopard Cactus is a badass one too.

[four_by_ken]

I impulsively bought yesterday...


L239 Blue Panaque


 

[GrizzlysDad]

Not sure on the number. But the Leopard Cactus is a badass one too.

L-114 

[GrizzlysDad]

I impulsively bought yesterday...


L239 Blue Panaque


 

Very cool pleco, but can be sensitive to water quality and diet.

[four_by_ken]

I impulsively bought yesterday...


L239 Blue Panaque


 

Very cool pleco, but can be sensitive to water quality and diet.

I heard that, but took the chance.  I cant turn down a blue fish.

Do you have any experiences with them?  What do you recommend for food?  There is plenty of wood for it in the tank and I have my water troubles under control and doing very good now.

[GrizzlysDad]

I impulsively bought yesterday...


L239 Blue Panaque


 

Very cool pleco, but can be sensitive to water quality and diet.

I heard that, but took the chance.  I cant turn down a blue fish.

Do you have any experiences with them?  What do you recommend for food?  There is plenty of wood for it in the tank and I have my water troubles under control and doing very good now.

I've kept a lot of them over the years. Here's some good info:
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=42

[four_by_ken]

Thanks.

I have to get a good picture when it is in the light.  Very neat looking.  I'll try today.

One of these pictures is with the flash off and one with the flash on.  But, neither are very good at capturing the color of it.

[four_by_ken]

I think after this one and the Royal tomorrow... I will be good with plecos for a while.