Plecos?

[Alcemistnv]

What exactly do Plecos do? Someone I know has a few and I **might** end up taking one because of some circumnstances she has, so I was just wondering if it would do more harm than good in my 5 gal.

Keep in mind, I DO two weekly changes.

Now, I don't exactly know what kind they are, all I know is that it;s NOT one of the giant ones. They're small (about betta size or smaller) with rather round heads (like, really round).

Any help with this?
She doesn't want to return them so I suggested taking one if worst comes to worst, so I want to be prepared in case it does happen. :/

[BettaBaited]

Sounds like she might have a rubberlip. They're interesting... :) Plecos are a fun addition to a tank, rather like a cory, which I know many people on here keep. They help keep the glass & rocks/decorations in a tank clean, and remove excess food. They won't do any harm to your betta, I've never known a pleco to even take remote interest in any other fish.

[LebronTheBetta]

Plecos are harmless! God, you might have to worry for the Pleco. Your Betta might injure it!! However, your tank is too small for anymore fish. I know it's divided, that's really the maximum. Sorry...

[Alcemistnv]

What would happen if I did get the fish thing? I don't know what kind it is (I'd appreciate it if someone could lead me in the right direction).

[Tikibirds]

I am not an expert but from what I understand, they have high bioloads and most grow quite large.

If it is a rubber lip:
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/pleco/rubberlipped.php

It says you need at least 15 gallons for it.

[TricolorKing]

Plecos have been an interesting experience here. We have a rubber nose. The 10 gal has never been cleaner and the little guy doesn't eat my live plants. BUT the pleco has been getting aggressive. Never would have thunk...agro pleco! He pushes everyone around. The Cory catfish get it but the dwarf frog might not make it. I'm concerned. Any thoughts? The pleco bulldozes the frog around or pins the frog on the ground and rasps at the poor thing. It is a frightening sight. The frog tries to get away and eventually does but the pleco might have to go. Bummer because the tank has lots of features and pleco are hard to catch and it is doing such a good job cleaning.
Just wanted to pass that experience along. In 30 yrs of fish keeping, I've never seen such a thing.

[staffylover]

I have a baby Brisltenose plec in most of my tanks, they do a great job keeping everything clean