DaveH

Just noticed that my pleco is leaving strands of waste upwards of 5 inches long, this is close to twice its body size.

I have recently been feeding it algae wafers which he eats regularly (once to twice a day.)

Am i feeling it too much algae or will it produce that type of waste regardless?
Also, what's the best strategy for not letting that fowl the tank? Will twice a week 1/4 water changes do the trick? or will it take more than that?

Butterfly

Plecs are really big waste producers. If no algae is present feeding one wafer once a day at lights out will be sufficient. If there is algae then he doesn't need algae wafers. He will also appreciate a piece of fresh veggie about once a week. Cucumber or zucchini seem to be the favorite fresh veggie to feed. If feeding fresh veggies don't feed anything else.
what size is the tank and what kind of plec do you have. The answers to these will determine how much/how oftn water changes need to be done. Hope that helps
Carol

DaveH

20gal, pretty sure it's a common pleco, but it is young, only about 2.5 - 3 inches long.

Barbrella

Because plecos eat such a low quality diet (algae) they have to eat a LOT = poop a lot, sort of like cows eating grass.

You can try using a turkey baster and sucking it out when you see the "poop garlands!"

If it's a common pleco, you can't keep it in a 20 gal, and will have to move it up to at least a 55.

Butterfly

Their guts are also so short they don't get the benefit of all the nutrition in their food so they are constantly eating. Soo more food/more poop one of the reasons they are so good to keep algae under control.
carol

Sabi

I see Butterfly and Barbella already gave you the answer. I agree with them, my plecos was longer, lol!