Pleco Food

[THOSranger]

So at my part time job we have what looks like a 55 gallon high tank and in it are 4 varying types of tetras, one 8 inch pleco and 1 2 inch Candy Striped pleco. Unfortunately no one really cares for the tank and I find myself having to do water changes on my free time. (Apparently they did them only once every 4-5 weeks.) The pleco seems to have stopped growing due to the cramped space and has also begun to get skinnier if thats even a thing. Compared to my pleco which is only about 5-6 inches, this pleco is half his girth. Does anyone know of some kind of food I could buy that could possibly help it get a little better.

 

[tlindsey]

So at my part time job we have what looks like a 55 gallon high tank and in it are 4 varying types of tetras, one 8 inch pleco and 1 2 inch Candy Striped pleco. Unfortunately no one really cares for the tank and I find myself having to do water changes on my free time. (Apparently they did them only once every 4-5 weeks.) The pleco seems to have stopped growing due to the cramped space and has also begun to get skinnier if thats even a thing. Compared to my pleco which is only about 5-6 inches, this pleco is half his girth. Does anyone know of some kind of food I could buy that could possibly help it get a little better.

That's nice of you to be concerned about the Pleco's. I'm taking a guess and assuming they are regular common Pleco's so personally would pickup Algae Wafer for Pleco's.

 

[THOSranger]

That's nice of you to be concerned about the Pleco's. I'm taking a guess and assuming they are regular common Pleco's so personally would pickup Algae Wafer for Pleco's.

Thanks I'll make sure to stop by a LFS and get some for the big guy.

 

[fishhead0103666]

I might also get a zucchini.

 

[Eclipse390]

My pleco used to LOVE blanched zucchini or squash.

 

[esoxlucius]

It seems to me that lack of food is just the tip of the iceberg why this pleco isn't thriving. Cramped living quarters and lack of tank maintainance will play a huge part in its wellbeing too.

Good for you for doing water changes in your spare time. The regular clean water will help, a bigger tank even better. Then, with a good diet it should recover.

 

[THOSranger]

It seems to me that lack of food is just the tip of the iceberg why this pleco isn't thriving. Cramped living quarters and lack of tank maintainance will play a huge part in its wellbeing too.

Good for you for doing water changes in your spare time. The regular clean water will help, a bigger tank even better. Then, with a good diet it should recover.

Unfortunately I don't think they will be buying it a new tank anytime soon since they only have space for the 55 gallon. But I'll be trying my best to keep the water parameters to the best I can.

 

[THOSranger]

Here's a pic of the big boy/girl. Doesn't come out very often since we often have multiple people walking around the office.