Common plec query

[Madchester]

Hello there - I'm a new poster on this forum so please bear with me

I've had a fairly stable tropical tank for a number of years (however I wouldn't class myself as an expert) and currently have 4 silver dollars and 10 neons. I've recently bought a "common plec" to assist in cleaning away brown/green/brush algae that's making regular appearances. The tank is set up with gravel, ocean rock and bogwood so the plec should be fairly comfortable.

I'll get to the point.... the question is - when should I expect the plec to start eating the algae ? I've bought some algae wafers but am not sure whether I should use these while there is algae in the tank for the plec to eat. I've only had the plec for a few days - should I not feed it until the algae is eaten ? (I've not actually seen it eating any yet.....).

I'd appreciate any opinions - and apologies for waffling !

Many thanks in advance.

 

[DannyBoy17]

Welcome!

You can feed the algae wafers even with algae still in the tank. He'll get around to it.

P.S- Those bad boys grow to be 12''-20''

DB

 

[Jason213]

Well Chester, do not feel as if you are asking a dumb question, in fact most pleco owners worry that their fish is not eating algea. Here is an answer from expierience. Pleco's are bottom feeders, meaning they are evolutionary designed so that their mouth is on the bottom of their body. Therefore any other fish food, flakes etc. that does not get picked up by the filter will be burried in the gravel/sand/whatever substrate you may have in the tank. So when the Pleco is "Grazing" across the bottom he/she picks up small pieces of food. You can usually tell when they have found something because they usualy stop moving and their mouth looks as if it is caving in. In time, your pleco Will start "sucking" to the sides of your tank and consume the algea that you purchased it for. It is just a timely thing where the Pleco needs to feel comfortable and naturalized, I hope this helps, Just a Question.. How large is the Tank and How large is the Pleco?

Good Luck!
-- Jason

PS: Plecos may not look too pretty, but given the propper nutrients from plants (such as algae) they will develop stunning patterns of color resembling a hardwood floor. It may not sound pretty, but they can be beautiful, especialy their cat-like eyes.

 

[Madchester]

Many thanks for the comments - much appreciated. For info, the tank is 60cm x 30cm x 35cm and the plec is approx 3 inches .....better buy a bigger tank for when he "grows up"

My main concern was that I'd starve it if I didn't provide algae wafers in addition to the natural algae in the tank - I don't think that will be the case now judging by what you've said so I'll feed it "intermitently", i.e. every few days and see how I get on.

Thanks very much