Algae Eaters

[Sheils]

Just got a algae eater last night. I believe it is a plecos. Ladt night is was doing fine. This morning looked fine. About about 1:00 this afternoon I noticed it was laying on its side, wasn't sucked to anything. I waited a while than I nudged it. And there it sat. I read that they protect their eyes in the day. So I will wait til light is out. But I'm thinking it really is dead. How can you tell when it's dead? It sure isn't floating. And how long should I wait ? I don't want my other fish to get sick.

 

[thereverendturtle]

If you nudged it and it didn't move, its most likely dead. Check for gill movement, or simply pull it out. A living fish will try to get away. If it is dead take it and water sample from your tank back to the store and see if they will replace it. Just make sure the water sample is in a separate container from the fish.

 

[slimeneo]

Have you cycled you tank btw? And plecos can grow very very large.. I would do some research before you consider getting another.

 

[Sheils]

yes have cycled my tank. I agree I am doing research if I decide to get something else.
And fish was dead for sure. No gills moving and picking it up did not move. How sad for that fish.

Thanks for the info turtle

 

[bmonki]

if you really want a pleco you could probably go for a small one like a bristlenose depending on tank size but be aware they produce SOOOOO much waste. your filter better be really strong!!

 

[Tizer]

bristlenose....small....really?

 

[jimmy_veal]

I have an Albino Bristlenose plec and he is no more than 4 inches. Relatively small for a Plec, and i believe they dont grow much more than 5 inches.

 

[Tizer]

A 5 inch fish is pretty big for most small tanks

 

[Pellet113]

Depends on what you call small.

 

[dannybgoode]

Hi Sheils

Sorry to here about your loss. Oddly enough I bought I BNP at the weekend and he sadly died within 36 hours. Similar to you - fine one minute dead the next.#

One thing I'd like to check in your particular circumstance - I read your other post about the deep clean you did on your tank. Did you use any chemicals to clean things with and was it rinsed beyond thoroughly?

The reason I ask is if you then were even traces of things like bleach left on gravel etc then the plec could easily have ingested them. Just a thought...

Cheers

Danny B

 

[bmonki]

lol Tizer i meant small compared to the common plecs that most lfs seem to sell to tiny tank owners that would be why i said it would depend on tank size.