Pleco Diet Questions

[Earthswater]

Hello,
I just got a Pleco from petco, guessing it is a common but not sure.
I put him in my tank with my other community fish, i was wondering if he needs driftwood to survive?
If so, i live near the Housatonic River in Ct and i have collected driftwood from there, soaked it for 2 weeks, boiled it for 5 mins and am now soaking it so it will sink
Havent tried any in the tank yet.

Anyone who lives around here knows that the river is polluted.
Will it be ok for the fish tank or should i find other wood?
Is it even necessary???

i will try to get a pic but he(or she) likes to hide in my rocks

 

[Earthswater]

oh, and he is about 2-3 inches long(tail included)

 

[lipadj46]

I'm guessing you have a "sailfin" pleco as that is usually what petsmart has. I see mine rasping on wood for a little while every day. Give it some zuchinni and watch it grow to over 6" in a couple months.

 

[Sushi67]

You should not use wood from a river that is polluted. Boiling it will kill germs and bacteria, but not harmful metals. Wood for aquariums should be hardwood. If your pleco is a common, it is primarily a vegetarian. Algea wafers are good. Fresh veggies work well too. just take out what he doesn't eat as it will foul the water.

 

[bbortko]

I've had mine for 10 years and have never fed it anything special and have only had driftwood for a year. They will nibble on the driftwood but will live a long life without it.

 

[J.Lake]

I toss my plecos a nls wafer or two every few days. depending on the kind i also give em potatoe and zucchini

 

[smitty03281964]

The wood would be good for him but he also need vegetable matter.