Utensils For Feeding Pleco Cucumber?

Hello! It has recently come to my attention that plecos are healthier with fresh food, so I have tried to feed mine some cucumber. I think she was afraid of it, because it is the first time she's seen it and when it drifted near her she quickly moved away. My other fish then began to peck at it until both pieces were in a cave, so I was thinking I would use a fork to keep it from moving. The only issue is, all the forks in the house have been washed at least once a week with soap, so I'm not sure how safe it is to leave in the tank. Would it be okay if I rinsed it very thoroughly with water, or do I need more utensils to cut and keep the vegetables down? Also, how do I get the pleco to be less afraid of the veggies?

 

Get some aquarium aquascape tweezers, you can get some on amazon for cheap that are around 40cm long, I personally wouldn't put anything that has been in contact with cleaning supplies in my tank

 

Ok, thank you!

 

Personally I would recommend lead plant weights, you can most likely find at your LFS or on amazon for a few dollars. They are not real lead despite the name so don't be concerned about poisoning your fish with them. I've used them for years and find them cheap and convenient.

 

Do you know if petsmart or petco might have them? My "LFS" is around an hour away and since my parents aren't fond of my tendency to spoil pets they're not going to want to drive there. Thank you for the tip though!

 

Hahahahahahaha I saw this happen I live with OP

Forks are also very pointy so I'm not sure how safe it would be to leave them in the tank. Regarding how she's afraid of the veggies, I think once they're in the tank for a bit/after a few feedings and she sees that they're not going to harm her, she should get used to them. She's just not used to seeing large chunks of stuff floating from the surface of the water Also make sure to take out any leftover pieces before they start decomposing.

 

I personally just boil them for about 5 mins in a cup in the microwave and both my plecos go after it, but my big bn chases away my little rubberlip

Edit:Boiling them allows it to sink, just let it cool down

 

Aww, poor rubberlip. They sink (I do the same thing) but instead of the pleco going after the food all my other ones do. They've herded both pieces into a little hole now .

 

Have you tried any other veggies like peas (cooked with shells removed), you may want to try experimenting with different types to see what works. If you worried just google a list of pleco safe foods

 

I have tried peas, but my other fish have eaten all of them as well. Could it just be she's not used to having fresh food?

 

Do you know if petsmart or petco might have them? My "LFS" is around an hour away and since my parents aren't fond of my tendency to spoil pets they're not going to want to drive there. Thank you for the tip though!

Yes petsmart and/or petco should carry them, if they carry plants they'll most likely carry them

 

Try butternut squash , sweet potatoes and broccolI with the stems cut lengthwise and blanched. My mega clown and loaches love them.

I second the lead weights too.

 

You could also get a clip like for $2. Obviously won't work for peas, but would be fine for zucchini, squash, etc. Sometimes Drs Foster & Smith has free shipping deals with no minimums.

 

Ok, thank you! I'll try to get them soon.

 

Ok, thank you! I'll try to get them soon.

I just noticed Drs Foster & Smith has free shipping with no minimum going on now until end of tomorrow.

 

Ok, thank you! I think my pleco may have eaten a bit during the night!

 

You could also get a clip like for $2. Obviously won't work for peas, but would be fine for zucchini, squash, etc. Sometimes Drs Foster & Smith has free shipping deals with no minimums.

I bought a set of clips. They work great. He loves cucumber!