My Clown Pleco Is Neither Eating Algae Flakes Nor Cucumber!

I have 32G tank with only 1 clown pleco. Initially he was feasting on the algae in the tank.

I had cleaned the tank on the weekend. Now since there was no algae I was feeding him algae wafers. He didn't eat that for couple of days. Then I tried blanched cucumber. I boiled a slice in water for 2 min in microwave. It had shriveled a bit. I put that in the tank. He didn't eat that as well.

I do see him moving about on the glass and the decor.

Is he eating? Do I need to worry?

 

How did you clean tank? What is your maintenance schedule?
The first thing I do when my fish are not acting normally is a water test: Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate.
Once done I explore other possibilities.

 

I do weekly water change. I scrubbed algae off my tank. Cleaned all decor and plants since they were covered with algae as well. There are 0 ammonia 0 nitrites 0 nitrates

 

I do weekly water change. I scrubbed algae off my tank. Cleaned all decor and plants since they were covered with algae as well. There are 0 ammonia 0 nitrites 0 nitrates

I think your problem is here then, as a cycled tank will have some nitrates present. Is this newly set up- within the last 3 months or an established tank?

 

It's established tank. Nitrates are almost zero because of water change. It's yellow with hint of orange.

 

Is there wood in the tank?

 

Is there wood in the tank?

No

 

No

Then that probably is the issue. Clowns are woodeaters and need cellulose for digestion-reasons. Beside of that they eat frozen / living food as well (omnivores)

 

What kind of wood should I add? I will try feeding him frozen bloodworms.

 

What kind of wood should I add? I will try feeding him frozen bloodworms.

Please read through this link.


As for wood, just add a few different pieces but most importantly add some as soon as possible.

 

Please read through this link.


As for wood, just add a few different pieces but most importantly add some as soon as possible.

Awesome thanks!

 

I added wood on Tuesday.. and today morning I found him dead amongst the plants..

I don't know what happened. May be died because of hunger?

 

I added wood on Tuesday.. and today morning I found him dead amongst the plants..

I don't know what happened. May be died because of hunger?

Think his digestion has come to a stilstand cause if the lack of the right food. Trying to rescue one in the same conditions kept by family .

 

Thanks!