I have noticed that Plecos will more eagerly eat prepared Vegetables when they are strapped to one of their 'territories'.. With all of the plecos we feed here, we decided to do some tests.
The plecos would be least interested in the food if it was just sitting in the middle of the tank, with no cover.
The plecos would often munch, but leave a gross mess, if the food was 'wedged' under a rock of some sort.
The plecos would dine more often, if the food was attached to the OUTER peremter of a rock or decor.
The plecos would EAT BEST, when the food was attached to the piece of driftwood that is their primary territory. Use a tall piece piece of driftwood, tilted into the corner of the tank. Often times plecos (especially Panaque) will find themselves clinging to the back (dark) side of the driftwood. If you use a rubberband, and attach the Zuchini/Cucumber/Potato to the same area that they most often 'hang-out' on, they seem to devour it.
We will feed an ENTIRE piece of Zuccini (sliced in half) and turn the lights out, only to come back in an hour and see that a small group (dozen or so) of plecos have completely devoured it. When we ran this same test, but placing the Zuccini in the open water at the middle of the tank, it would take them the entire night to only eat half of it.
So in conclusion, we find that prepared Veggies were eaten better when attached to a prior area of territory, especially when laying verticle in a 'shady' area. It also seems that natural Driftwood is the ideal decor to attach the food too, as compared to plastic decor or rocks. It is also better to feed right before night time. It is never reccomended you leave the food in there for a day or more.. If it becomes mushy, then the plecos will likely not eat it. It will also sour your water quality.
Often times however, Plecos will adapt to whatever way you feed them. We have just found that our method works best with the wild Plecos we import.
.
