slizard

Hello folks,
I am starting a new 20 gal tank and will be moving my inhabitants over to the new tank after it cycles.

I have a rainbow shark and a pleco that love to feed on Romaine lettuce. The drawback is that the chlorophyl from the lettuce leaches into the water and tints it somewhat green. (no, I don't have leaches in there, lol).

Any suggestions on my conundrum of wanting to keep the new tank looking clear while keeping the little guys happy? I like feeding them fresh food.

Wolfgang8810

feed them the lettuce but remove it form the tank after 6 hours

slizard

They don't even touch it until it's been in there a day or so, but I understand what you are saying. After a time it begins to sort of disintegrate. Good suggestion.

Wolfgang8810

you could boil the lettuce before feeding them. it will soften the leaf and probally remove some of the pigment. :-)

RiffDawg15

I would put it in there before you go to bed and then take it out when you wake up in the morning. The pleco is more of a night time eater and I believe the shark is likely the same. There is a chance they would eat it quicker if placed in the tank overnight.

Or yes you could try boiling it before you put it in the tank. This might take out some of the nutrients though, so I would look into that before trying it.

sirdarksol

Wolfgang's got the idea. Get some water boiling and dip the leaf in for just a second. This breaks down the cell walls, which is what seems to trigger fish going after the lettuce. If a second doesn't do it, hold it in for two seconds next time. Eventually, you'll find the amount of time it takes to make the lettuce perfect for your fish.