Let’s kick things off with one of our favorite community traditions — the “Show Us Your Tank” Challenge! 🌿 Whether you’ve just set up your first aquarium or have been breeding for years, we want to see your setup. This challenge helps everyone connect, learn from each other’s designs, and celebrate the incredible variety of tanks in our community. Here’s how to join:📷 Step 1: Post 1–3 photos (or a short video) of your aquarium setup.💬 Step 2: Tell us what species you’re keeping — or the ones you hope to breed next.💡 Step 3: Share one lesson you’ve learned so far or one challenge you’re facing. Each month, we’ll feature one member as our “Tank of the Month” 🏅 — with a special reward for Premium Members like early stock access or gift cards. 🌊 No tank is too small or too simple — this community celebrates progress, not perfection. 🐟 Comment below:Have you posted your tank yet? Drop your link or photo and let’s see what you’re working on!

Difficulty: Beginner-FriendlySize: 4–5 inchesTemperament: Peaceful bottom-dwellerLifespan: 10–12 years 💧 Tank Setup - Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for one, 30+ for pairs. - Water Parameters: 72–80°F, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to medium-hard water. - Environment: Provide driftwood (they need it — it’s part of their digestion) and multiple hiding spots. - Lighting: Moderate; dim corners help them feel secure. - Filtration: Strong but gentle flow — they like oxygen-rich water. 💡 Pro Tip: Add cholla wood or almond leaves. They release tannins that reduce stress and promote natural grazing behavior. 🍽️ Diet - Staple: Algae wafers and high-quality sinking pellets. - Supplement: Fresh veggies — blanched zucchini, cucumber, spinach, and sweet potato. - Protein Boost: Once a week, give frozen bloodworms or Repashy gel food. 💡 Lesser-Known Fact: They’re nocturnal eaters — feed after lights out for better nutrition and cleaner tanks. 🧬 Breeding Behavior - Type: Cave spawners. - Pairing: One male with a plump female — males have larger bristles on their heads. - Trigger: Slight temperature drop (2–3°F) and heavy feeding mimic rainy season conditions. - Caring for Eggs: The male guards eggs until hatching (4–6 days). Leave him alone — removing him too early risks fungus. 💡 Advanced Tip: Use pleco caves tilted slightly downward — males feel more secure guarding entrances. 🌿 Compatibility Great with tetras, corydoras, rasboras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.Avoid housing with aggressive or fin-nipping species. What’s your favorite veggie to feed your plecos — and how do you prepare it? 🥒 Do you blanch it, skewer it, or just drop it in raw? Share your method (and maybe a photo)!