AboutNick Expertise I can answer virtually any question relating to freshwater aquariums. I specialize in everything and anything to do with planted and unplanted community tanks, from stocking and compatibility to technical, plant care, set-up and maintenence. I have experience with all kinds of fish and have cared at one point or another for almost every kind of freshwater tank through the years. I can also help find you the best equipment and foods for your money. There are certain products that are useless, and ones that are great, usually the only way to find out is to try them, and I have tried them all.
----No goldfish questions!!! I can and will reject all questions about goldfish, so do not bother asking me them.
Experience I have been keeping fish since I was 6, I have numerous tanks set up right now and I am the department head of the fish section at a local pet store.
Expert: Nick Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: Betta/Pleco Compatibility
Question I have a male betta & a albino pleco in a fully filtered & heated 5-gallon tank. When I first introduced the pleco, the betta just ignored it. Now the betta seems to be chasing the pleco & won't let him anchor. He seems to be nipping at the pleco. Can the betta cause any damage to the pleco; or is it just annoying it?
Answer Hello Amanda!
No worries, the pleco should be able to stand up for himself.
However, I believe that is the least of your worries right now. I strongly recommend you find another home for your pleco. Plecos do and will grow VERY big. They grow slow, however in a few years he will be over a foot in length if he survives that long. The usually top off between 16-20". That's right, inches.
That being said, you will need at least a 100 gallon tank to house it properly. Most pet stores will do returns. If not, you're stuck.
Always research before buying a fish. The pet store employees will tell you anything to make a sale, never believe them.
