dancerhas

Our new (used) 55 gal tank came with a common Pleco and 3 Tetras. We've got them in QT right now but we're planning on rooming the tetra's with the CAE's and the Pleco in the Blue 55. I read in the comments on the Pleco Profile that Pleco's require driftwood which aids in their digestion. Is this an absolute necessity?

Thanks!

Shawnie

IMO yes it is needed as well as veggies and such...but will they live without it? probably....but they do thrive better with it

dancerhas

Ok, then....what EXACTLY is "driftwood"? Where can I get some?

Jonah

Most LFS will sell driftwood.

You will need to prepare it before you put it in your tank either by soaking for 2 -3 weeks or by boiling for 2 -3 hours

The preparation will remove much of the Tannins from it BUT NOT ALL.

you must be prepared for tannins to leech into your tank, this will lower your pH as well as be slightly unsightly by making the water tea coloured but carbon will remove it for you.

The Wood contains I believe lignite which aids the plecs digestion not having it in the tank will not kill the plec.

dancerhas

I haven't seen driftwood at any of my LFS, or the big chain stores. Is it just wood that's been tossed in the water?

aquarist48

I've had my Pleco for 6 or 7 years with no drift wood in the tank. He's doing beautifully.

Jonah

He is there and he is living but he would be happier with driftwood in the tank

http://www.planetcatfish.com/shanesw...article_id=287

http://www.planetcatfish.com/shanesw...article_id=244

There are more and similar articles, all suggest that while driftwood is not essential for all plec species it certainly provides an enhanced environment for all plecs and IS an essential for others

siamese blue

Hi. try giving your pleco some cucumber that is also good for them, and very good for their digestive system ass well. take a piece of cucumber cut it in half, you pleco will just love it.