Can Blue Phantom Pleco live with False Rummynose Tetra?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 5.5–7 dGH.
- Large size gap (Blue Phantom Pleco 7" vs False Rummynose Tetra 2") — the bigger fish may eat the smaller one as they grow.
Sweet spot: both do well at 75–82°F and pH 6.5–7 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Blue Phantom Pleco | False Rummynose Tetra | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–82°F | 75–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 5.5–7 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5.5–7 dGH | 2–8 dGH |
| Adult size | 7" | 2" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 55 gal | 20 gal |
Together, plan on at least 55 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Add only full-grown adults — never juveniles, which will be eaten.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Blue Phantom Pleco: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- False Rummynose Tetra: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Blue Phantom Pleco · …with False Rummynose Tetra