Plecostamus

[fish-gambler]

Greets

I've had my tank for a few weeks now and I simply cannot keep the Plecostamus alive.

I have other catfish that are doing fine. Can some-one please give me some tips on keeping them alive (I've killed five of them already )

My water was tested and all seems fine the nitrates where a little high. My water temp is +- 25.5 or so, I treat the water once a week with safe water by marltons. I do a 25% water change every two weeks (i treat the water with Tetra Aquasafe). It's a 54 l tank

Thanks
Max

 

[Tanked]

what are you feeding the pleco, just letting munch on tank residue or are you giving him anuthing special ie: algea flakes or blanched zuccini.

also do you have the numbers on your water?

ie:

ammonia 0 ppm (parts per million)
nitrite 0 ppm
nitrate 25 ppm
ph 7.1

 

[fish-gambler]

Hi,

Just plain dry fish food and tank algae, although I dropped some small pieces of liver in yesterday. My PH is 6.9. I have no other stats

R
M

 

[cryosi]

liver! your trying to feed your plec liver! sheesh, try algae tabs, courgette, lettuce, cucumber,spinach, tubiflex worms ( dried) dried bloodworms etc they needs proper food for thier diet and not flakes and algae of the tank! they will not last long on your diet!

i still cant believe liver! where did u read that from! who suggested that to ya! I am curious yet a little miffed!

 

[fish-gambler]

Hi,

The chicken liver was for my tetras (I'm now assuming that this a bad thing - gimme a break I'm a nubie ), I just assumed (a bad thing I know ) that some mght sink to the bottom and the plecs might chomp it.

R
M

L8 in ZA, time 4 bed.

 

[cryosi]

sheesh i didnt mean to be rude! as i said i was curious yet miffed! personally i would not feed my tetras liver either! sorry if i offended ya!

 

[fish-gambler]

not offended, please u have 2 slap me with a vrot snoek 1st.

ok no more liver for my fish.

thanks

 

[Tanked]

fish-gambler,

you may want to look into cory's rather that plecs. plecs get HUGE. I saw one that was about 12-14 inches at my lfs today.

 

[Angel Lady]

I have had my pleco since he was a little baby I have fed him shrimp pellets and that is all he every would take he wont have anything else so I got to where now I dont even offer but he is 7 inches long and growing everyday.

 

[Pufferpack]

As Cryosi suggested try fresh blanched (in boiling water for 1 to 1 1/2 mins) veggies, if you use peas remove the skins , algea disks (we use Spirilum disks) and ours also like the sinking shrimp pellets. ...Lately they have gotten a taste for frozen bloodworms and frozen Beefheart (they are in the Cichlid tank) and now won't touch algae pellets.
You also may want to get a nice piece of bogwood/driftwood (if you don't already have one) to make them feel more comfortable.

 

[fish-gambler]

Hi,

Thanks 4 the nfo, going to go blanch some fresh veggies 4 my pleco now.

I'll try the driftwood BUT I live near the ocean and thats the only source for nice looking bits - how long should i soak it in fresh water.

Pardon my ignorance but corys are...? ( I looked on google and found out what they are).

Can I feed my fish dried spirulina, not the tabs, like the powder form you buy at your local health shop? (Don't show or laugh to much)

R
M

 

[William]

For plecos to live you will need to buy BOGWOOD for your tank.

 

[fish-gambler]

Ok, I'll buy some bogwood.

Just blanched some lettuce and dropped it into the tank and my fish went nuts chomping it - I'll switch off the light and see if my pleco tries it.

R
M

 

[Jamnog]

will drift wood soaked in cycled water for a week do? i just asked because i have some drift wood out side.. i understand that its from the sea side and its all salty but i figure if i soak it enough would all wood be as good (pardon the tounge twister im new).

 

[fish-gambler]

Well the lettuce is gone!

How often and how much blanched lettuce/etc should I give to my fish?

Thanks
Gem of a forum!