Not getting enough food?

DaveH · February 1st, 2008

I am concerned that my pleco doesn't have enough algae to eat. I have been putting in algae wafers for the past week, and it does not seem to eat them. the pleco will latch onto the wafer for a few seconds then quickly become dissatisfied and go back to sucking the apparently algae free glass and decorations.

I am wondering if as these algae wafers disintegrate, the algae is being distributed and stuck on decorations and such, and the pleco is eating them just not directly?

If not, then i would want to supplement some other type of food. I have heard stories of zucchini and celery and stuff. Would i have to prepare these foods before hand by steaming them or can i just put them in the tank raw? Are there any other types of food that plecos commonly eat?

Allie · February 1st, 2008

If there isn't any algae in your tank then he is doing his job. Try shrimp pellets or staple tables along with algae wafers. English cucumber is what I get for my plecos once in awhile. Field cukes are too seedy and dirty up the tank much faster.

Barbrella · February 1st, 2008

They do love cucumbers, but zucchini is much more nutritious.

I zap the slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds. After they cool, I put them on a veggie clip and into the tank. My plecos gobble them up!

You can also stick a fork through the slices to hold them down in the tank if you don't want to get the clips.

Allie · February 2nd, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbrella

They do love cucumbers, but zucchini is much more nutritious.

True.

susitna-flower · February 3rd, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveH

I am concerned that my pleco doesn't have enough algae to eat. I have been putting in algae wafers for the past week, and it does not seem to eat them. the pleco will latch onto the wafer for a few seconds then quickly become dissatisfied and go back to sucking the apparently algae free glass and decorations.

I am wondering if as these algae wafers disintegrate, the algae is being distributed and stuck on decorations and such, and the pleco is eating them just not directly?

If not, then i would want to supplement some other type of food. I have heard stories of zucchini and celery and stuff. Would i have to prepare these foods before hand by steaming them or can i just put them in the tank raw? Are there any other types of food that plecos commonly eat?

Dave, what kind of pleco do you have? Some aren't really algae eaters. If he is leaving the algae wafer, you need to remove what is left over. It will fowl the tank.

Don't worry about the pleco if it's tummy is plump. You can tell as he is on the glass. Most love to have a piece of driftwood, and some actually HAVE to have it.....just some random thoughts.

Barbrella · February 3rd, 2008

Quote:

Some aren't really algae eaters.

Quite true. Some are carnivorous.

Butterfly · February 3rd, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by susitna-flower

Most love to have a piece of driftwood, and some actually HAVE to have it

So true, they get lignan from rasping on the wood(it helps their digestion). There are also many microscopic "critters" that grow on driftwood and they will feed on those as well as veggies. Even Plecs that don't have to have it will enjoy driftwood.
As for zucchini, I wash it and put it into the tank using a food clip or a spoon handle stuck through a piece cut long ways.
Have you seen this yet?

http://www.fishlore.com/fishforum/fi...cucumbers.html
Carol

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