Too many algae tabs?

[enchanted]

I made a beginners mistake and not sure if it will create problems or what I should do.

I purchased some Algae tabs for my Plecostamas. I put a few too many in the tank........

Didn't realize it until this morning and I'm not sure if I should remove the uneaten ones or if they will cause any problems.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Larry

 

[noelberg]

I definitely recommend removing uneaten food the next day. It can promote bacteria, raise nitrates, promote algal growth, and occasionally be a medium for fungus

Do you just have one plec? If it's small then you won't need any more than 1 algae tab if that.

HTH

 

[enchanted]

Just one, I didn't see the need at this point for more. The tank was setup 2 weeks prior to putting fish in it.

 

[clutterydrawer]

just take the others out, it'll be fine

I feed my cories sinking food and anythign they havent eaten after an hour or so, i take it out. this helps keep the tank nice and clean.

incidentally, what kind of plec is it? if it's a common it's gonna outgrow the tank....sorry if im repeating what you already know, i'm jsut checking

 

[enchanted]

I didn't know there was more than one type.

So the answer is I don't know which type it is. Right now it's only about 2 inches long.

 

[clutterydrawer]

there are many amny types, I don't think i'd be far out in saying it was probably over 100.

anyway. if it's a common plec, which is possible, it could reach 20" in length so you might need to rehome it!

 

[enchanted]

Well, hopefully I have some time on that. I'm buying my place and there is a spot kind of window area between the living room and kitchen.

After reading up here, I'm really really tempted to build a tank in there.

73" wide
25" high
12" deep (would make it 24)

 

[clutterydrawer]

wow that would be an incredible tank...!

I believe plecs are fairly slow growing so you have a long time to wait before he gets *huge* however you should coutn on it eventually, and remove him from the current tnak before he has time to get stunted (this happens when the tank is too small and the fish doesnt grow proerply, which damages it internally)

anyway it mgiht not even be a common, if you're interested you could have a look at the pics on planetcatfish.com to try to ID him.

 

[enchanted]

Well, he must be a common from what I can tell on the site.

They say only 10" though. But I have always heard bigger.


Also, I bought a 20-30 tetratec heater but at full it barely holds the tank at 72/74 is this right?

Thanks,
Larry

 

[clutterydrawer]

hmmm

how many watts is the heater? does it have a thermostat?