BN pleco...

Ok so i have a common pleco and golden nugget pleco in my 90 male hap/peacock tank. I see alot of people talk about a BN pleco. I am assuming this is the Bristlenose or Bushynose? I think those are the same. My question is why does everyone have these, are they better at something then other plecos? The reason i ask is because i have only seen them out here in WA a few times and one of my LFS has them right now i want to get one or two if they are good to have.

Max size i believe is 8" while a reg pleco could reach 3'. Also look alot cooler, easier for them to breed compared tor regular pleco which requires a length of 12" or more to reach sexual maturity. And VERY easy to sex.

So they are basically just easier for breeders? No real advantage for a non breeder?

Well they are cute. Otherwise nope!

Smaller size is better for smaller tanks. A common pleco can overstock a small tank by itself, regardless of other fish you may have. These stay smaller and keep the ammonia down while still giving you an algae cleaning crew. The bristles are cool looking as well! Rubber Nose Plecos are the same way. The max size is about 6 inches or so. I own two Albino Bristlenoses and one normal Bristlenose and I love them!

Ok so maybe i will just get rid of my regular pleco since he is about 6" and get one of these. is $7 about right?

Oh and will it do ok with my GN pleco?

I would not know personally from experience but I've heard they get a little territorial. And I also know they REQUIRE driftwood.

Yeah. Most plecos will keep to themselves. And yes, get rid of the common.

Driftwood would be nice. Mine loves the driftwood.

Its ok i have plenty of driftwood for my GN so that would not be a problem. Out with the old in with the new i suppose.

Most people keep BN's for their cleaning ability. They do have a personality and mine come out all the time. I have 39 tanks and rarely have to clean algea from the front glass. They aren't agressive and don't bother other fish. I keep them with my julie pairs even. They reach about 5". maybe a little larger for males, females 3.5-4" for a big one. There are other species of Ancistrus that do get bigger. My females never have ANY bristles, males bristles will vary in size depending on the fish. They are a cave spawner with the male guarding the eggs and fry until they are on their own. I pull the fry when they start moving around in the cave, they are tough to catch when they get loose in the breeding tank. The fry are easy to raise and grow fairly quickly. There is always demand for them and I have sold thousands of them in the last 8-10 years.

ya, i love my BNP. the glass is always clean, i have 3 each in 2 of my tanks.
a buddy of mine is breeding plecos,the albino strain, very cool. always a conversation starter when people are gazing into the tanks.

Yes, defiantly give your common pleco to someone with a large pond. I have seen them reach 4'

Ok sweet thats what i was looking for, glad to hear they are good cleaners. Now it's settled i am definately going to get one or should i get two for a 90? I am keeping the GN in there.

Two would be fine if you wanted to get two.