Plec Vs Cory

Hi monkeytree

No, you don't need a plec & you're right in saying that even the smaller plec varieties would be on the large side for the size of tank you're looking at.

Plecs are often bought for their perceived algae removal skills but in my experience they don't actually make much difference and are quite picky about the type of algae they will actually eat.

In my opinion Cory's would be your better bet because whilst they don't really tackle algae they scoot around the bottom of the tank snaffling left over food, but I'd look for the smaller varieties and get a nice little group.

If you do want something for algae then ornamental snails or amano shrimp are likely to be better than a plec.