Exotic Plecos in African community set-up

[arndogg]

I am interested in getting a pleco to deal with algae, as well as to provide another colorful fish to look at. Everyone mentions the standard bristlenose, bulldog, rubber-lipped or clown pleco as the ideal addition to a cichlid tank.

How about the other plecos? I decided to look at aquabid out of curiosity, and there were tons of interesting plecos out there that I wasn't aware of. I have a pleco breeder near me that is offering huge variety outside of the ones I mentioned above. My question then is, do any of you have experience mixing the following plecos with africans?
L200
L264
King Tiger

Any other suggestions? I have an 80G tank w/ juvenile or young adults, peaceful community of tangs and a couple of peacocks. my pH is 8.2, and my kh is 14. temp is at 79. I have a rock pile for my juli ornatus, and live plants.


Thanks

[JoeZ]

this is the coolest pleco

http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_zebra.php

[Vip]

I would get a Chinese Algae Eater, these guys dig into the alae really good, much better than a pleco.
Just my 02c

[JoeZ]

no get a zebra pleco

[arndogg]

zebra's are cool, definitely. But they are out of my price range, and I need them to fulfill the purpose of eating algae as well. They don't have to be the best at algae eating, but they need to carry their weight a bit. From what I've read, the Zebra likes meat more than veggie.

I was thinking of King Tigers, but I'm not sure if they eat much algae.

[JoeZ]

at www.liveaquaria.com they have cool albino plecos, id get one

[Sculpin]

I think you are right, zebras are meat eaters, and expensive. I just found a site www.somethingsphishy.com they have a lot of different plecos at decent prices. To get info on any of the fish, check out www.planetcatfish.com they will have all the L numbers and usually some info about what requirments each has. www.exoticfinds.net also has some plecos for sale. Im not sure where these places are located, maybe you can find someone closer. And be careful on aquabid, I heard recently that someone was ripping people off selling zebra plecos. Offering like 8 for $500. Then the buyer sends the money and the seller disappears without ever sending any fish. I have a golden algae eater in my 38 gallon tank and he is keeping it very clean. I hear they dont eat as much algae as they get older but for now he is doing great.

[Heyguy74]

Have you checked your LFS. Most of the stores around me are starting to sell the more excotic plecos. Depending on the species and size they go for about $20 to $30 each.

[aharris]

The problem with the more exotic plecos is an inability to adapt to Rift pH. Why spend the money to buy an exotic pleco just to have it die because it can't survive the water parameters? Plus, some of those guys have to have driftwood in order to be healthy. Driftwood lowers pH, and that's also tough on your Africans.

[lee427]

will zebra plecos adjust to the high ph though because i was thinkin about putting some in my african tank :confused:

[punkypuffer]

i wouldn't even attempt it. no way would i spend that kind of money just to have it die at a 90% chance. they are prolly wild caught ...

i would do either bushynose plecos or rubbernose plecos. they are inexpensive and will get the job done right. if you want exotic plecos, then get them a tank that fits their water requirements.