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1) To have a thriving fish that lives a full expected lifespan

2) To have a gorgeous tank that has a thriving ecosystem with fish who coexist with each other

3) Learn how to properly care for a tank and take care of my fish, and too never let my aquarium lack in care

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Common Plecostomus ( As in the name the most common of plecos )

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Common name: Pleco, sucker mouth catfish, suckerfish, janitor fish and Armor-plated catfish

Scientific Name: Hypostomus plecostomus

Description: The plecostomus are characterized by heavy armored plates on their bodies and sucker-shaped mouths, hence why sometimes being called armor-plated catfish. The common pleco fish can be black and brown and eats algae. Most pleco species are native to South America, they usually live in fast moving shallow streams and rivers. Although they eat algae it doesn't mean they don't have to be fed, they should be fed once or twice week, Aqueon Bottom Feeder Tablets, Shrimp Pellets, Tropical Granules and Algae Rounds can all be excellent foods for these catfish. Depending on the species the Plecostomus can grown over 12 inches and can live up to 10-15 years. Pleco mating behavior generally involves the male selecting a cave and displaying territorial behavior to attract a female. Once a female is interested, she will enter the male's cave, where he may trap her while she lays eggs. The male then fertilizes the eggs and becomes the primary caregiver, guarding and fanning the eggs until they hatch.

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1) The Plecostomus is peaceful nocturnal and territorial, they tend to get along with many fish, but some bigger male species of plecos often get aggressive and territorial to other bottom dwelling fish.

2) Some fish the Plecostomus can get along with are:

a) Bettas (females)

b) Guppies

c) Mollies

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Plecos are exclusively freshwater fish that live in rivers and streams of South America

In their natural habitat they usually have places to hide. They are bottom feeders and usually live in warm, moderate to fast-moving waters that have driftwood and algae covered surfaces. Plecos live in a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. They usually have a wide abundance of space in their natural habitat. Plecos need natural hiding places, in their natural environment the river bottoms have branches and logs that they hide in during the day since they are nocturnal.

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Average Cost - $19 - $50 (depending on the type can go higher in price)

I want to have plants in my aquarium, but since plecos tend to eat plants I'm going to have to carefully choose the plants and make sure my plecos are well fed

Epiphyte plants are the best bet since plecos arent likely to eat them, but i will have to feed supplemental vegetables to keep them from eating them.

If they do continue eating the plants i will have to replace the plants with plastic ones

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Caves, logs, or any type of hiding spot thats dark is the best kind of housing for plecos.

Cost - $13-30

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Plecos do not need a specific type of lighting but its better to avoid harsh and bright lighting as it can stress them out

Since plecos are nocturnal its best to have a daytime and nighttime cycle and to have plenty of hiding spots. The lights should be left on from 8-10 hours and 12-14 hrs top.

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- Smooth sand will be the best type of substrate for plecos, but since i want plants i will most likely go for well rounded fine gravel which is also a good choice.

Keeps any substrate bed under 1.5-2 inches

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Hood cover - Plecos need a secure hood or lid due to them being natural jumpers, best to buy a very good securely-fitted lid for the tank.

Tank Size - Plecos can vary in size with some growing more than 12 inches, so its best to choose tank size based on your plecos species. Ex. Common Pleco 150 gallon tank, Bristlenose Pleco 20 gallon tank, Clow Pleco 20-50 gallon tank.

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When i was a kid i would go to a dentist office that had a fish tank, and every time i would go i would look for one specific fish; this fish being a pleco fish. When I realized i had a chance to take care of one i was delighted. I was plants in my tank for one reason and that is planted tanks are gorgeous, when i learned that plecos have a habit of eating plants i was conflicted and went on a deep dive on why and if it was possible to have both. Of course i care more about the pleco than the aesthetics hence if needed i will remove the plants if its causing harm to the pleco. The hiding spots are a need due to being nocturnal and would love to use a log or cave that fits the aesthetics of my plants. I tried choosing the best of every category for my pleco as i want it to live a healthy and long life even if it meant not getting what i wanted as the fish is my top priority.

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Temperature - Love aquariums with warmer temperature from 74-80oF

Heater - Its best to get a good durable heater, like Eheim Jager, which costs up to $40

Air - Plecos usually use their gills for air but can breath atmospheric air.

If they continuously go up for air that might be a sign of of low oxygen in the tank

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Plecos need powerful and efficient filters due to how much waste they produce and their messy eating habits. Canister filters, oversized hang-on-back (HOB) filters, or a combination of large sponge filters and powerheads are the best choices of filters that can be used for plecos.

Cost - up to 50 or more $

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Plecostomus Care Guide

Bristlenose pleco breeding behavior - Fish Breeding - Aquarium Co-Op Forum

Beginner’s Guide to Plecos: Care, Feeding & Setup

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Plecostomus: Ideal Aquarium Setup and Care Tips – J&M Aquatics and Pet Center

Plecostomus and Lighting | Lighting Forum

Ultimate Care Guide for Pleco Fish – Splashy Fish