Can Fish Live with Your Pet Turtle? - Part 2: Let's Try! - Convicts Cichlids and Plecos (Sucker)

LLYT here, this is part 2 of a common pet turtle owner question: Can fish live with my pet turtle?
In this video I introduce Convict Cichlids and Sucker fish (Hypostomes Plecostomus also called plecos). Check out how they did with my red-eared slider Harold in my 75 gallon turtle aquarium.
In the first part of this series I tried out rosy red minnows and comet goldfish. See it here: • Can Fish Live with You...
Interested in my setup? See below.
My 75 gallon turtle tank setup:
75 Gallon Tank - Petco
Basking Platform - Custom DIY build - • DIY Above Tank Basking...
Cover - Custom DIY build - • Super Easy DIY Glass C...
Decoration- Custom DIY build - • Making a Turtle Proof ...
Filter (Cascade) - amzn.to/3uGdBjk
Filter (Polar Aurora) - amzn.to/3o64dTw
Sand - amzn.to/3o69med
Air Pump - amzn.to/2RC9Hct
Sponge Filter - amzn.to/3uFRMQE
Sponge Filter protection - see www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNGeD...
Basking Light - amzn.to/33uHFlQ
LED Strip 2 - amzn.to/3uxNLhc
Heater - amzn.to/3fcpfM2
Timed Power Strip - amzn.to/3ez1Cyc
Water Conditioner - amzn.to/3exuVRQ

[@jennifermueller9881]

Yay! Love the new community! #turtlegoals when get my 75 gallon! Great video!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@SussBus]

I love the name Harold. Loved it even more when you said Harold was a female 😂

[@andreasanford8814]

We have a boy turtle named Janice 😂

[@crystalbasio486]

I really like this video and your passion for these fish 😢❤

[@kristinawoodmansee2962]

I put 2 of those "sucker fish" in my turtles about 10 yrs ago. What happened? Lol now I have 2 enormous 16" fish that basically have filled up my 75 gallon tank. There really isn't room any more for my turtles

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Yeah definitely something I planned for! The 75 will be upgraded eventually to a pond or huge tank!

[@m1k3thirteen81]

Turtle mansion on top is awesome!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Thank you!!

[@alleymdevita]

Great video!!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gilbertcastaneda6807]

Wow, Harold has big hind flippers. I have a male slider whose around 10 months old, and I am noticing his hind flippers are getting big like Harolds.

[@josephgagnon7098]

Your a amazing you tuber keep up the great work

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Thank you so much!

[@guillermoiiialtaaduana3767]

Gracias

[@fjkhamdan]

I have a common pleco but also a beginner tub for a turtle. So I think when I’m back home I’ll might put them together. Considering my turtle is young male and skittish I think it will work

[@JoeJoe-mq7xh]

I also have convict cichlids. Amazing interacting fish. They definitely know who feeds them 😄. Mine actually didn’t get along for about a month, the female was super aggressive, but then for along just fine after that initial start. I’ve had them for about 6 months now and they actually paired up and had babies yesterday morning. Super cool. I also have Tiger Barbs in there with my 2 RES.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Awesome to hear! Yeah the convicts are awesome. They have figured it out (way smarter than my turtle). Tiger barbs are a cool choice. Hmmmmm. haha Thanks for the comment!

[@crystalm7172]

I love when he said “ otherwise, these fish will have to find another home.” Im the same way with my turtles if I feel like something will threaten them in their own home.

[@rockwellrichards5553]

RIP suckerfish 😢

[@smashbrosguyt915]

Thanks for reassuring me. My sister let my friend in and he dumped several convicts in the tank without me knowing…

[@tonyguarini6140]

What do you have in the basking area?

[@cholos17]

Amazing tank. Do you think I can use Texas Cichlids instead of Convict? Thanks!! 👍

[@unified95]

is that a polycarbonate lid for the tank? What lights are those that go through the polycarbonate?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Acrylic sheets, and it is just a cheap aquarium led strip light.

[@erincrawford4751]

I have electric blue amara cichlids with my 6 year old Mississippi mudslider female (Pickle Rita, previously known as Pickle Rick, lol). They actually get along quite well and the fush have even had babies in that tank that the turtle hasnt eaten!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Very cool, thanks for the comment!

[@Tony-lv9op]

I can't wait for your next video about how to built that basking platform because I got the turtle topper but did not fit for my 75 gallons so I did what you did in one of your videos about how to make the turtle topper fit to any size tank and I made it exactly like you and it turned perfect but my turtles are 8 inches long each one and the female has a higher shell and can not get up and I help them with my hand like pushing them, but they don't like to be on the turtle topper I think they feel they are trapped or something maybe the entrance is a little narrow in order to get up for them. anyway I can't wait to make this new basking platform for my turtles, you are gonna show us to built maybe they will like better this one that the turtle topper. thank you for show us how to built it because I checked some web sites and are very expensive so is better to buy the material and built them.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Hey! Yes, that one is coming soon! Great to see others trying out the DIY ideas. The penn plax is good for smaller turtles unfortunately. My turtles would not fit in it. Sorry it didn't work out for you, maybe the next one will? Have you seen this one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2PaXoKcdttkaa8 Depend on what you like! Thanks for the comment and stay tuned!!

[@Tony-lv9op]

@@LongLiveYourTurtleI know was small for my turtles too LOL. is this new one you are gonna make for big turtles?

[@jinpachichulo7561]

I have had success with angel fish, Betas, plecos, convict cichlids, barbs, mollies and more. Some died in the process but the ones that made it have managed to survive 5 turtles for months now. They just gotta have plenty of hiding spots and plenty of room. Feeder goldfish are terminators and survive anything and everything. Crayfish did good for a while before one got caught then the turtles liked the taste and hunted the rest even with hiding spots. Crabs immediately got killed. Dwarf Frogs went 50/50 but wouldn't recommend it since they like to play dead. I took them out before they got finished off. All this happened in a year with young turtles in 10 gallon, 40 gallon and 125 gallon tanks. Also, I've put hundreds of shrimp in one go and 99% are dead by the next day. Turtles LOVE shrimp. Convict cichlids are the real pain in the a**. They got my beta killed.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Wow! You have some great experience with trying out other fish! Some surprises in there like a beta and frogs! But yeah it’s all about the fish, turtle aggression and hiding spots. Thanks for the info!

[@garciaray82]

Where did you get that turtle chart? Been looking for one for my aquatic room

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Got it here! amzn.to/3jeuaOA

[@johnnyb4760]

your turtle doesn't mess with the sponge filter? I'd like to know. My river cooter loves to nibble at things he sees that's new and I'm too worried he'll just bite the air tub and rip the foam

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Oh they wanted to but I put a protector around it. The air. Tubing will be fine. But great tone cautious, turtles like to bite everything ha!

[@ShortCakeBrat2422]

What is that thing on top of the tank??? We have a baby yellow belly slider in ours and we have a floating shelf for him... is that enough for now?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqTPeHqQjqqLbdk it is DIY basking platform. The suction floating shelfs are ok for baby sliders but once your turtle grows you want something sturdy and that optimizes your tank space!

[@CooperAquatics]

👍🔥

[@SamanthaSalisbury1077]

What should I have in my basking area? Just curious

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

A dry place for your turtle to rest and the correct lighting is all, you can add decorations that your turtle won’t eat if you want to!

[@michaelgreene5244]

Can a pleco be put with my chiclid fries

[@spine4youu]

I've had goldfish and guppies with my painted turtle and he usually leaves one behind after eating the rest. Currently there's one guppy surviving for three weeks so far.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Classic! Guppies are good snacks but not good tank mates, to slow and aloof, except one of your survivors!

[@gwstarx7717]

Love from india mumbai

[@juanmoceton6842]

I love that topper you put on your tank. Where did you get it? or did you make it?

[@jeffrky]

The next video will be about the topper.

[@juanmoceton6842]

@@jeffrky Cool! I cant wait. You make great informative videos

[@jeffrky]

@@juanmoceton6842 I agree he makes great videos, but they are not mine. :) I was only letting you know based on what he said at the end of the video!

[@juanmoceton6842]

@@jeffrky Oops, my bad. Thanks!

[@reymartinez9508]

Amazon

[@damianbuchholz3523]

What filter you running for this tank?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

In that setup I’m running a Cascade 1200 and Polar Aurora 304B. I’d suggest a Fluval FX6 if you have the money though!

[@VincentsReptiles]

Hi

[@elliotthubbard6952]

This guy seems like a fun dad

[@andreedwards4542]

daddy issues?

[@nathanielreichert4638]

you bring up great points: its all about trial and error; Having plenty of turtle-proof places for the fish to hide; Turtle Temperament. My slider eats most live plants and fish. it even goes for my fingers if my whole hand is in the tank. if my turtle is fed, and he doesn't eat the fish. one day I forgot to feed him and twelve fish were gone just like that.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

To add after more time has gone by, with with the fast fish, my turtles now barely care they are in the tank after trying to get them for months.

[@jimbo9313]

My pleco is about 12-15inchs. Hes at least 3 years old. Anyone know how old they get to? Also just bought him a 75 gallon tank

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Hi! Wow, that's a magnificent sounding size. I believe they have a life span of 10-15 years!

[@milahall4265]

We have a res in a 75 gallon and really want to add fish also. Just afraid Gamera will eat them! Her shell is about 5 inches, not sure how old she is. What do you think would be the safest bet? Cause all the fish will have a name before we get home from the pet store 😆. Also what plants would survive a turtle?

[@thomaslindsey9207]

When was the last time you tested the aquarium water?

[@aleksyambrus180]

Can I put pleco with convict cichlid ?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

I did! Worked well. Just make sure there is enough space for everyone to have a hiding spot for a turtle tank, convicts are extremely territorial and won’t share there’s.

[@Gigachadly]

I might be mistaken but didn’t you say in a different video that you bought a feeder goldfish and it survived with your turtles for at least a couple months/years?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Yes, I have had and currently have (in a different enclosure) success with feeder gold fish. In the video I discussed here I think I refer to the attempt of having gold fish live with 3 turtles in a 75 gallon tank in a previous video. But I have indeed had success with them, just one day you could wake up to find no gold fish, thanks for the comment!

[@Gigachadly]

@@LongLiveYourTurtle I’ve noticed that the turtles that can’t swim as well as red eared sliders such as reeves turtles seem to do better cohabiting with fish because the fish can easily swim away from them.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Yeah, sliders can be aggressive and good hunters. Gotta pick the right fish.

[@TheGevShow]

i would absolutely love to put a big pleco in my turtle tank. ive always loved plecos since i had a huge one as a kid. but my turtle is way too aggressive. little homie tries to bite anything he sees.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Alas! I suggest fast fish, your turtle will realize the effort is not worth it eventually.

[@Steve_BigBoyzToyz69]

My Red Ear is 17 and been living with a fish for over 10 yrs (tank cleaner) forget what you call it. Plecko thats it.

[@arimsaha3561]

Can pleco and RES stay together? Please someone suggest me.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

The answer you probably what you don't want to hear.... it DEPENDS! Out of the two I introduced to my tank in this video, one is doing great (one month later), the other was not aware enough to stay away from my turtle. So your pleco needs to learn to avoid the turtle and you need to have a turtle that gives up trying after a while. Then you will have a new tank member. good luck!

[@arimsaha3561]

Thank you☺️☺️☺️

[@mumgriteric309]

My pleco is twice as big as my turtle and it didn’t survive a week in my turtle tank even though it got 3 caves it can hide in any bunch of wood rip pleco

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Sad! I am sorry to hear that.

[@eastnewyork3434]

Splash 💦 is Here 👁

[@eastnewyork3434]

SplashWoRld🌎The Greatest

[@kishdogg1594]

How about Algae Eating fish?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

A would say all fish are questionable but algae fish are extra tough because sometimes they are rather slow and unaware.

[@elik5084]

Is it best to introduce the fist when they are small? I have a pleco that is probably 10 inches long do you think it would be safe to keep him in the tank with my red eared slider?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

How small is your slider? Definitely better to have your turtle grow up with fish as they will be a little more used to their presence and not immediately think they are a snack. With a 10" pleco just make sure you have a large tank and that your turtle is big enough to not get hurt by the pleco or watch you turtle around the pleco (especially if you are attached to your pleco) to make sure the pleco realizes it needs to keep its distance at least until the turtle kind of gives up on the chase. Good luck!

[@bethanysummers3377]

U need more hiding places for your fish. Add more plants and wood. U also need fast fish moving fish, barbs, some chilhlids, clown loaches, rainbow sharks (only 1) goldish are the worst choice! Take the turtle out for a few hours also while u add the fish.

[@erikazibelnik1579]

I was told plecos cause damage to turtles, is this not true?

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

They can latch on to turtles which is a risk to the turtle's health. I would recommend keeping an eye on them especially if your pleco is large. Definitely need a large tank to house both.

[@simonh3496]

Mighty try some cichlids now. I currently have 10 gold fish with my turtle Torta. I started with a couple dozen, the survivors and Torta are friends now they’ve been hanging out together for about 8 month’s.

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Awesome to hear! The cichlids are really cool. Thanks for the comment!

[@juliancardona4920]

What type of cichlids did you get ?

[@bob74h67]

So even the snails lived, Yea it was just the tank setup then last time

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Snails were all eaten. Typical turtle snack. Didn't really ever think they'd make it, I always keep a shimmer of hope though.

[@ottooctavius9552]

It would have been better if you put “Fatality” after the pleco died

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Ohhh I do so agree. Gotta keep it pg though ;)

[@ottooctavius9552]

@@LongLiveYourTurtle a fellow Mortal Kombat fan

[@WesternSpy714s]

My red ear slider destroyed my 9 inch tigershove catfish today

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

I am sorry to hear that :( That is a big fish for a turtle to go after.

[@ashleyztinztun9105]

Omgg!! Nooo!! When I bought my pleco the store told me they only grow like 4 Inches!! What's my mom going to say!!

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

I guess you will need a bigger tank!

[@AlaskanGangster09]

Did you get a common or a bristlenose? Not all plecos get big. There are many different kinds.

[@ashleyztinztun9105]

@@AlaskanGangster09 I got a common

[@AlaskanGangster09]

@@ashleyztinztun9105 oof

[@oscardean6351]

Your main problem here my friend is you’ve got a huge turtle with tiny fish why didn’t you get a smaller turtle with some bigger fish it probably would’ve worked out just fine

[@SpudBro1]

Common plecko will become too big for that size tank

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

True, they take a while to grow and I will be upgrading by then!

[@beauugarte3694]

Should get a hollow log for the sucker fish RIP other sucker fish :(

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Not a bad idea! Agreed RIP

[@afiqirfan2911]

My pleco is dead cuz my boi prefers more meat

[@electricitybomb]

"community tank" - has a turtle

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

Just need a little hope, luck, and the right fish!

[@afiqirfan2911]

My turtle ate my pleco

[@LongLiveYourTurtle]

SAD!

[@kylergrubbs1081]

@@LongLiveYourTurtle plecos are bad for turtles smh

[@manjirizode6132]

Poor fish

[@ryanmedina2146]

Way to put a fully grown ass meat eating turtle with fish not even half its size 🤡🫵🏽