Is driftwood really necessary for pleco?

Hey! So I have a new tank all ready for a new bottom feeder. This one is a Hypostomus plecostomus bottom feeder suckermouth armoured pleco catfish (commonly referred to as the "common pleco"). I was just wondering, is it absolutely necessary for them to have driftwood or can they just feed on the algae and the occasional algae wafer? I know they do like to munch on it but is it 100% necessary or just recommended? Either way, I'll buy some driftwood, but if it's just a slight decoration or maybe just a treat they I might not. Thanks for any input.

 

Hey! So I have a new tank all ready for a new bottom feeder. This one is a Hypostomus plecostomus bottom feeder suckermouth armoured pleco catfish (commonly referred to as the "common pleco"). I was just wondering, is it absolutely necessary for them to have driftwood or can they just feed on the algae and the occasional algae wafer? I know they do like to munch on it but is it 100% necessary or just recommended? Either way, I'll buy some driftwood, but if it's just a slight decoration or maybe just a treat they I might not. Thanks for any input.

I think size of tank is more important than driftwood, what size, and are you aware that the majority of commons can reach 18", and some up to 24"?

I know BN plecos really like driftwood (a good, small alternative to commons), but I'm unsure about common plecos.

 

I think size of tank is more important than driftwood, what size, and are you aware that the majority of commons can reach 18", and some up to 24"?

I know BN plecos really like driftwood (a good, small alternative to commons), but I'm unsure about common plecos.

I'm very aware of that, I've done my research on them. I have a 10 gallon tank that I'm going to start him in and let him grow a bit and then transfer him to my 150 gallon tank.

 

I'm very aware of that, I've done my research on them. I have a 10 gallon tank that I'm going to start him in and let him grow a bit and then transfer him to my 150 gallon tank.

They are poop machines even when they are tiny. In a 10 gallon tank you're going to want to do water changes multiple times a week to keep up with that poop!

 

But should I put driftwood in my 10 gallon while he's growing out a bit?

 

But should I put driftwood in my 10 gallon while he's growing out a bit?

I would.

 

I would.

Thanks!

 

Thanks!

Good luck! I wouldn't keep him in the 10 gallon for very long at all, switch him/her over at 4-5 inches tops, lest s/he get stunted

 

Good luck! I wouldn't keep him in the 10 gallon for very long at all, switch him/her over at 4-5 inches tops, lest s/he get stunted

Of course. I'll just be having him in there until he'll be good in there. he's in there with a few snails but I looked it up to doublecheck that they're compatible and they are, so no worries

thanks for all the info