Last week was sad here after mysteriously losing four plecos in two separate tanks. I started looking into causes and future possible prevention
In caring for my plecos I always provided them weekly with fresh vegetables and since here in the U.S. our supermarkets are stocked with vegetables from all over the world. In order to extend their shelve life; overcome longer transit times, create bigger harvests our produce is subject to a chemical infusion of pesticides, fungicides, waxes and petroleum based sealants. While most of these have been researched and have a miniscule, affect on the health of an avg 150 lb human what about the tolerances and buildup in smaller life forms such as plecos?
Most conventionally grown cucumbers are waxed to protect them from bruising and releasing water. Agricultural pesticides do not come off in water, either. If they did, farmers would have to apply them after each rain or even heavy dew. Washing fruits and vegetables under just water in your sink does not remove them, petrochemical companies make pesticides with chemical "stickers" that are insoluble in water.
I do not have the answers I am googling now to do more research and opening this up for discussion on this forum. What are my fellow MFKer's thoughts on this subject. In looking to provide the best diet for our plecos are we slowing poisoning them...........?
In caring for my plecos I always provided them weekly with fresh vegetables and since here in the U.S. our supermarkets are stocked with vegetables from all over the world. In order to extend their shelve life; overcome longer transit times, create bigger harvests our produce is subject to a chemical infusion of pesticides, fungicides, waxes and petroleum based sealants. While most of these have been researched and have a miniscule, affect on the health of an avg 150 lb human what about the tolerances and buildup in smaller life forms such as plecos?Most conventionally grown cucumbers are waxed to protect them from bruising and releasing water. Agricultural pesticides do not come off in water, either. If they did, farmers would have to apply them after each rain or even heavy dew. Washing fruits and vegetables under just water in your sink does not remove them, petrochemical companies make pesticides with chemical "stickers" that are insoluble in water.
I do not have the answers I am googling now to do more research and opening this up for discussion on this forum. What are my fellow MFKer's thoughts on this subject. In looking to provide the best diet for our plecos are we slowing poisoning them...........?
