Pleco

[JR]

My LFS has some L-183 Starlight BNS in. As you may know I know very little about Pleco's. I would like to buy a half dozen of these guys. John wonts 18$ ea dont know if that Is a good price or not. They are 1.5- 2" long. I am going to read up on them tonight. Would these be ok for my first Plecos. Any advice on these guys would be helpful. Would like to buy tomorrow if it is a good Idea.

[Mugwump]

This guy got $25 each.....
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=33906

Care of....
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=221

[JR]

Thanks Jon Going to let them go Don't wont to set up a blsck water tank

[Rjb3]

A friend of mine had some listed on AB last night: 10 tank raised fish $275.

[Mugwump]

Thanks Jon Going to let them go Don't wont to set up a blsck water tank

I think they only need the 'black water' to help generate spawning.....?

A friend of mine had some listed on AB last night: 10 tank raised fish $275.

Thanks, Bob....that proves that $18 is a good price, and that possibly the black water isn't really critical....perhaps just softer water??....alder cones/oak leaves, peat, etc...??....wood tannins?

[BallAquatics]

They are cool fish.  I got lucky with mine and got them at the club BAP auction.....  http://www.mugwump-fish-world.com/index.php?topic=1092.msg10030#msg10030

Dennis

[JR]

Dennis do they need a black water tank.

[BallAquatics]

Dennis do they need a black water tank.

JR, if they are wild caught fish, I would definitely say yes.  That said, my friend Brian over in Columbus, is raising them in Columbus tap water.  I have heard reports of F1's spawning in regular tap and not being as sensitive as the wild fish, which only makes sense.

Does John know where these fish came from, and is he keeping them in super soft water?

I haven't had a bit of trouble with mine.  I'm keeping them in mostly rain water at around 80F.  In less than a year they have grown to almost 4 inches.  I have heard they need to be over 3 years old before they will start spawning much like the Zebra plecos.

Dennis

[JR]

They are tank raised.

[Mugwump]

They are tank raised.

It sounds like you're good to go then....

[JR]

I will pick them up tomorrow. They look pretty dog gone cool.