What do plecos need in a tank?
Plecos require plenty of fiber Supplement with raw zucchini, sweet potato, carrots, lettuce, spinach or cucumbers as a treat once or twice a week Raw vegetables should be anchored near the bottom of the aquarium Some plecos require driftwood as part of their diet, supplying them with cellulose and lignin
How big of a tank does a pleco need?
Adult Common Plecos need a tank size of 75 to 80 gallons at the very minimum However, to help your fish reach its full size and potential you’ll need at least 150 gallons!Jul 11, 2020
What does a pleco need to survive?
Plecostomus Water Requirements A pH between 70 and 80, alkalinity between 3° and 10° dKH (54 ppm to 180 ppm) and temperature between 74° and 80° F will suffice for most captive bred species If the aquarium is kept in a room below 74°, use an Aqueon Aquarium Heater to maintain the proper temperature
Does pleco eat fish poop?
What fish eat poop? As far as we are aware, there are no freshwater fish that have poop as a necessary part of their diet Some fish such as Corydoras and Plecostomus catfish are said to eat poop – but even if they did, they still require feeding just as any other fish would
What fish can live with a plecostomus?
Pleco Habitat Companions Plecostomus are omnivorous bottom-feeders and can be safely housed with fish much smaller than themselves Plecos generally pair well with cichlids, angelfish, barbs, bettas, other catfish species, gouramis, guppies, hatchets, loaches, mollies and platies
How do I know if my pleco is dying?
If your pleco is losing its color and slowly turning white, this might be an indication that it’s either sick or dying Your pleco needs immediate care in both cases Plecos turn white for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to: poor nutrition, disease, stress, or inadequate tank conditions
Can pleco live in cold water?
Can Plecos Survive Cold Water? Most plecos are tolerant of waters ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30°C), though they prefer temperatures between about 75 and 82°F (24-28°C) With that being said, there are some pleco species that are hardier than others, and may be able to withstand some cooler waters
How quickly do plecos grow?
Plecos are known to have a long time span of 12 years if they live under suitable conditions During the initial five years, they grow to their full size On average, the full size of common plecos is up to 20-25 inches They grow very fast, up to 3-5 inches approx in the first year
How long can a pleco live without food?
Overview chart for individual fasting tolerances of popular freshwater fish Type of fish: Period it can safely live with no food: Plecos 10 to 14 days Oscars up to 2 weeks Swordtail fish maximum of 14 days Corydora catfish up to 2 weeks
Are plecos hardy fish?
Characteristics The common pleco can grow up to 2 feet long As a nocturnal species, the pleco has the ability to shut out light with its omega iris Plecos are hardy fish that have a hard plate exterior as well as a spiny fin to protect them from other fish
Can I feed my pleco lettuce?
Vegetables Plecos can eat vegetables Romaine lettuce, the tops of celery and other leafy vegetables provide a good plant food source Slices of cucumber, parboiled zucchini and parboiled peas are welcome in the pleco’s diet
Can a pleco live alone?
Bristlenose plecos can absolutely live alone in a tank They’re perfectly happy by themselves and don’t always need tank mates to keep them company
Do fishes sleep?
While fish do not sleep in the same way that land mammals sleep, most fish do rest Research shows that fish may reduce their activity and metabolism while remaining alert to danger Some fish float in place, some wedge themselves into a secure spot in the mud or coral, and some even locate a suitable nest
What fish cleans the tank?
Plecostomus is a group that includes suckermouth catfish of all sizes These algae eating fish are like underwater vacuums They gobble up algae and anything else they find at the bottom of a tank In the aquarium world they are known as ‘janitor fish’ for their supreme algae cleaning abilities
Will Pleco eat snails?
As I mentioned before, plecos will eat or munch on anything they can find Plecos will eat dead fish and snails too They will also eat decaying aquarium plans, and will munch on some plants
Do you need to feed a plecostomus?
While Plecos do eat detritus and algae, it will still need its diet supplemented Feed your Pleco every day or every other day with Pleco-specific food One to two times per week, feed your Pleco pieces of cucumber, zucchini, or lettuce (not iceberg)
How long does a plecostomus fish live?
Plecostomus are primarily nocturnal and will spend daytime hours resting along the benthos in dark crevices The average lifespan for plecostomus is 10 to 15 years
Can plecostomus live in a pond?
Plecos are usually found in aquariums and are tropical fish, but they can be beneficial in Koi ponds Don’t expect to see them much if you put them in your pond They are a hardy fish that will help clean the algae off the rock and bottom of your pond
Can 2 Plecos live together?
A pair of plecos can sometimes flourish together, but only if they were introduced to a tank at the same time, and as babies If two plecos are used to being around each other and haven’t ever been apart, they can often find success — and tranquility — in being around each other
How do Pleco sleep?
They remain motionless for periods of time They lay on the bottom or an object in the aquarium They don’t react to things going on around them They exhibit this behavior at about the same time each day, usually when the aquarium light is turned off