Abalisa

Hello all,
I am new to the forum and really wish I had found it before I started my tank! I just got a small common pleco (about 3 inches), and after I got him home, I noticed that he has some faded areas on his back. He is acting normally in every other way from what I've read on your site. Is this something I should treat? I'm attaching a pic of him. I have a 20 gallon tank with him, a stripped catfish of about 2 1/2 inches, and 3 balloon belly red eye tetras. I do realize now that I'll have to get a bigger tank. I had a male betta in there that started the tank for me but had to remove him because the tetras were harassing him too much and he was starting to look stressed. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks,

Attached Images

Preacher.jpg (442.8 KB, 14 views)

COBettaCouple

Welcome to Fishlore.

I'm not sure on the pleco.. they're sensitive to meds, so I'd hold off on any treatments unless he acted wrong or this changed to look worse. Garlic Guard, Vita-Chem or Fish Protector would be safe things to add to the tank as 'vitamins & supplements'.

Abalisa

Thank you for the quick response. I was worried about medicating any of them. The pet store sold me Melafix a year ago for one of my bettas, and I now see from reading the forum, that it probably killed them. This is my 1st tank w/anything other than bettas so I will be reading everything I can on this site, it's the best one I've found so far. I have a separate 2 1/2 gallon tank for the betta cause I just love those little guys (my 1st one lived an amazing 5 years), and I wasn't going to let the tetras nip him to death. I'm trying to get a good pic of the bubble belly red eyes because I can't seem to find one online anywhere. They're fast so all pictures have been blurry so far.

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore!! I hope your lil guy does better...they are super sensitive to ammonia and nitrites also..how long has the tank been up and running? and whats the water parimeters?

Abalisa

Thanks for the input, sorry I haven't been on, after looking at the pc all day it's hard to make myself get on at home! My pleco actually seemed to be doing very good, not too shy, sailfin up and all, then a few days ago I woke up to find he had "jumped ship". He was on the floor starting to dry up. I felt really bad for him, & just when I was really getting attached. I still plan on getting a bigger tank, I'll get another then.

mrsmuffin

I am sorry to hear about your pleco! Good luck with your future plans.