Bristlenose Pleco Food

[missgingersnap]

Hi all. I just got a bn pleco a few days ago. He hides all the time and I'm about to send out a search party. I got him some wood but he hasn't ventured out to nibble yet. I also got some algae wafers which drew him out but also attracted my 4 cory cats. My cories are little piggies and I think they scared my pleco off. Is my poor little pleco going to be able to compete for food? What veggies are their favourite and do they need to be cooked? I want to make sure he gets some food. Thanks!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi missgingersnap

I keep a few BN plecos in my cory tanks and they get plenty to eat. When yours wants some algae wafer, he will come out and get right on top of it. The corys might try to eat around the edges, but they will not discourage him. He'll also eat flake food and frozen (defrosted) bloodworms.

I add a slice of vegetable (most often zucchini) to the tank for them too. I usually buy smaller ones because they have fewer seeds. After washing it well, I slice it about 1/2" thick , lay it out on a cookie sheet, and then freeze it. Once it is frozen I store it in a container with waxed paper between the layers. It's the easiest and most economical way I've found to prepare it. Sometimes I feed them lettuce, kale, butternut squash, or cucumber. Or, you could blanch a little at a time in boiling water. Either way will soften the tissue a little bit for them. Take any uneaten vegetables out after a day or so and replace them with fresh to keep your water clean.

 

[missgingersnap]

Thanks for the info inchworm.

 

[B13]

My BN fella gets algae wafers, a sinking pellet (which the Piggy Zebra Danios all pounce on...) and fresh veggies (spud being a favourite).

To sink the veggies, have a look at 'screwcumber' - you can thread your beg onto it so that they sink.






* edit to include web link *

 

[missgingersnap]

I'll check the fish store next time I'm there for something to hold the vegies down. I'm going to try potatoe tonight. He's finally starting to come out and not be so scared but I noticed one of my angels pecking at him. I think he's more curious than anything since the pleco is new and has hardly come out until now.

 

[octapuss]

Hi all. I just got a bn pleco a few days ago. He hides all the time and I'm about to send out a search party. I got him some wood but he hasn't ventured out to nibble yet. I also got some algae wafers which drew him out but also attracted my 4 cory cats. My cories are little piggies and I think they scared my pleco off. Is my poor little pleco going to be able to compete for food? What veggies are their favourite and do they need to be cooked? I want to make sure he gets some food. Thanks!

hi there i have 3 bn plecs and only my female comes out for food during the day,i feed mine when i turn my lights out or as we no it fishy bed time, this tends to stop my guppys eating there wafers.i also use a low powered torch so i can check all is ok with my plecs.i dont no if it will stop your catys eating there food but it might be worth a try.good luck

 

[skippy_49nz]

Yes, males seem really shy. They eat so slowly it gets frustrating. I'm sure when confidence builds up u will see the little tyke come out at feeding time.

 

[pippoodle]

young bristlenose munching butternut squash
this stuff sinks so you dont need anything to hold it down
i just wash it remove the skin and add it to the tank