betta companions?

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
Can you please tell me if a Betta would be compatible with a plecostomus in a 15 gallon tank?  They would be the only two fish.  The pleco is about 3" in size, tank is filtered, but not heated.  So I would also need to know if I should buy a heater if you think the Betta would be a good co-habitor with the pleco.
Thank you!
Vicki

ANSWER: Hey Vicki,

No. The betta cannot be in a tank larger then 10 gallons. In the wild, betta come from small, muddy puddles and pools in the cracks of rocks, pits, animal tracks, etc. If you put this animal in a large tank such as a 15L, the poor guy is liable to freak himself out into a stress induced infection, or death. The pleco does need a heater, and the betta water should stay above 70, below 80 as well.

Sorry this probably wasnt what you wanted to hear :( and sorry about the delay. My laptop got lost in transit at the airport after my trip.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply and info.  I just wanted to let you know that our pleco has been living in an unheated tank for 6 mos.  We live in a warm climate however, and our inside temps range from 68-78 degrees on avg.  So I'm guessing that is why he has survived thus far (luckily).  Interestingly, he used to share this tank with fantails, which we have since moved to a pond.  But the store where these fish were purchased at the same time said they would all be fine together in an unheated tank.  I do have another 10-gallon tank, so I will transfer everything into that and try the Betta there.  If the pleco outgrows that I will return him to the 15-gal.  Are they relatively slow growers?  This guy hasn't noticeably grown in the 6 mos. we've had him.
Thanks again!

Answer
Hey again,

Plecos typically grow with their environment. At about 4 inches, he wont grow larger in a 15 gallon tank. In a 150 gallon tank, he'll reach around 11-13 inches. In a 7000 gallon setup, i've seen a pleco reach approx. 17 inches. Although unhealthy to keep him in a small tank that he's "outgrown" you probably wont notice health concerns until it's too late to improve them. If he's survived 6 months, then i'm sure you have a handle on how to care for him. Best wishes!