rhino pleco

[betaboi]

The other day i went to the lfs for some african food and saw a pleco. It was called a rhino pleco and the owner wasn't expecting them till next friday but the order came in early. The problem is that the tank he had for them isn't done cycling (they were in with his labs in breeder tank). So he asked me if i would temporarily take a few home till the tank was ready but i told him that i can't have more than 1. So here i am watching the 6.5 incher hide under my lava rock and eating what he can find. I really like him (he cleaned up all the leftover seaweed salad) and was wondering if this kind was ok for my tank. I REALLY wanted a spotted raphael/thorny catfish but if this dude's good, he's a keeper. He pretty much keeps to himself and is always behind the rocks (except when lights are off) but i have read on most sites that they get to 10" which is why i'm hesitant. Any advise would be much appreciated.

[AngelMom]

I just checked two sites real quick.......one says 14", the other says up to 19".
FWIW

[lloyd berg]

that rhino will grow for sure. 10" easy. so if you don't want big fish,bad idea. i like plec's in my tank to help clean algae(rocks,glass, plants,etc.)
once he gets too big, trade him in. if that idea bothers your consience, leave the big guys at the store and look for dwarf plecos. they might cost more (depends on breed) but are hardy and stay under 3".
good idea with the thorny cats. i got some at (big al's).bullet proof tank cleaners.
if you watch that rhino in the dark,you'll get a better idea how he interacts with your present stock. i'll bet he's harmless no matter what size he is.
plecos clean algae, cats clean up over feed.

[betaboi]

This is gonna sound weird but what does FWIW mean? I take it he's ok in my tank since i don't mind having a ginormous fish in there. Once he gets to about 8"-10" i'll probably trade him in then and get a thorny cat or upside-down cat. For now i can watch him clean!

[crazyred]

I think it means "For What It's Worth"

[AngelMom]

Yup.......that's what it means. Sorry if I caused some confusion. :(

[betaboi]

Ahhhh! I get it now! Hey no sweat, i'm 14 i can't know everything that you guys do now can i?