Proper Diet For Plecos

[Rivermud76]

Could someone post an in depth article on the proper feeding and care of plecos.

What I would like to see is something that addresses pleco types and diets. For example certain plecos requires a higher protien diet. Others enjoy supplemental veggies. I know a lot of people strictly use wafers.

When preparing veggies, do you blanch them first? Are there any tricks or tips for sinking veggies and then removing them before water fouling?

How often should a protien supplement be given? What do you use, bloodworms, brine shrimp... etc...?

Maybe this should be a collaborative effort and then we could just pin the topic as information seems to be greatly scattered.

Thanks,

 

[abstract]

although a good idea, you know how long that would take? there are sooo many different plecos with different requirements...a basic guide to plecos would be doable though..

really the only way is to visit planetcatfish.com before you plan on buying a pleco and 1) make sure it is really what it is labeled as and 2) figure out the requirements before you buy...

some people blanch, some don't because they worry about nutrient lose, so you won't get a straight answer there...

there are many easy ways to weight down these veggies, "screwcumber" on ebay, plant weights, deocrations, pieces of gravel, etc...

how often protein is supplemented again depends on the species...2-3 times a week is safe for any fish so is a good rule of thumb...

again, the reason all the information is scattered is because each group of plecos has strict requirements (vampire pleco wants more meaty [i.e. mussels], clown pleco needs wood for digestion, etc, etc, etc)...planetcatfish has it all right there for you

 

[Rivermud76]

Thank you for the reply. Does anybody want to try to add something regarding this? I will check out the planetcatfish site.

 

[andywg]

The pleco numbering system surpasses L300 which means a lot of species to details feeding attributes to.

Bogwood is an often overlooked part of the pleco diet. Some plecs need bogwood to graze on (this should be added to or replaced every 6 months) and by bog wood, Mopani doesn't count as the shot-blasting takes away all the essential nutrients