How well do plecos work for cycling?

[Voragg]

I was curious if it would be a good idea to place my adult pleco in my uncycled 75 gallon. I figure since plecos beathe air, the amonia shouldn't cause any damage to the respitory system. Also since I feed my pleco algea tablets in my estabished tank, the lack of algea for him to consume shouldn't be a problem. Also I would like to know if my black tetras are a good fish to cycle a tank. Any information on this subject would be apreciated.

[aquak]

Plecos don't breath air. In fact, they do not even usually go to the top in my experience. In the guide to hardy fish for cycling, the common pleco is listed as a candidate. Be sure to have plenty of water movement because they need well oxygenated water. Here is the site with the list:
http://www.aquariumpros.com/articles/fishcyclefw.shtml

[Voragg]

I thought over all the years that my pleco was breathing air and after minutes of research, my conclusion was proven wrong.