Help for L183 Care!

[ahpui6]

Good day to all bros!

I am new to plecos and recently, after some research and encounters, I am deeply attracted to L183.

Despite various sources in internet, I personally feel that advices from 1st hand bros are the most valuable.

I need help for the following:

1) Whats the optimal size for a tank of 6 juvenile L183?
2) What is their PH/GH/KH requirements?
3) What is the more suitable lightings for them?
4) What is the best substrate for L183?
5) Rocks or Driftwood? Mosses suitable for them?
6) Will sponge filter suffice?
7) What is the optimal diet for them to thrive?
Will sponge filter suffice? Or is a HOF be required?

Thanks for answering my questions! Deep appreciation and hope to hear from you guys soon!

[Suzerolt]

I'm not an expert but here are some inputs. My L183s have been doing well the past year.

1. They are generally shy. A 2ft tank with lots of caves/rocks & hiding places is ideal
2. I keep mine in PH 7-8.5. GH/KH in the 4-6 range works. TDS in the 200-300 range. Nothing too specific.
3. They are shy & prefer dim lights
4. Sand or soil is fine. Does not matter.
5. As long as there are hiding places (under wood), behind rocks, artificial pleco caves, they will be OK.
6. They feed on algae. I feed mine with cooked cucumber slices.
7. Sponge filters are always nice to have as the bubbles helps with O2 exchange, expel CO2 & keep pH higher. But i'd say, get a HOF - it does a better job compared to a sponge filter.

[ahpui6]

Thanks Suzerolt, I guess you answered most of my queries, haha! . Though i feel that the PH you stated seems a little too high. (Most source state a 5.5 to 7.0 range) Nevertheless, I will take that into consideration! Many thanks a lot for taking the time out to answer my queries! Appreciate it! Thumbs up for you!