Hello!
I just joined this forum hours ago. I have lurked for months in hopes of one day owning BP's. I got a 55 gal long tank for Christmas. It does have two Plecos that came with. One is about 6 inches the other 3 inches. The tank is set-up and the water is clearing as of 11pm last night.
This will be my first experience with Cichlid's. I have always been fond of BP's.
I have a few questions to get going:
1. is there a book I should get to help get up to speed?
2. can BP's and Pleco's live peacefully together?
3. how many BP's can I have in a 55 gal tank? I am happy with just having a pair.
4. is ph an issue for BP's?
5. real or plastic plants?
6. are flat slate like rock ok to have in the tank?
7. what will my BP's need for food?
I am pretty much in the dark. I do want to wait a few days before bringing a pair home. I need to replace the biowheels and the filters and air stones in the undergravel filter. I read on here that terra cotta pots make great little hiding places.
For anyone else out there that lives in South Florida...can you recommend a good fish shop?
I am looking forward to meeting fellow BP parents and learning as much as I can. I appreciate everyone's help and input in advance.
Cliff in South Florida
Comments
Re: ***NEWBIE***WHAT DO I DO NEXT?***
My first question has to be, do you know what kind of plecos you have? If they are common plecos then your current tank won't be big enough for them because they grow to be 2ft long. I would first research that and see if you will need to find them a new home. Then go from there. as far as I know there are no books out there on BP's but this website is very informative. Another website that will help with fish keeping in general is www.badmanstropicalfish.com I love this site! It's been very informative. It will help you in setting up a proper tank. Good luck!
Re: Re: ***NEWBIE***WHAT DO I DO NEXT?***
I spoke with a tech at Big Al's today and they tell me Plecos seem to do fine with BP's due to their exoskeleton. I hope this is true. I plan to only have a pair of BP's in this tank along with the Pleco's.