Pleco Noms?!

[moonstruckmuse]

Just wanted to say that Zucchini, cucumbers, cantaloupes, etc are ALL fruit, so the not feeding fruit comment is a little silly.

We forget that when we talk about animals that don't have access to sugar 24/7, a little sugar, especially from fruits which are jam-packed with all sorts of good nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, is GOOD and even NECESSARY.

Personally, my biggest pet peeve is wasting food, so I just throw the butts of fruits and veggies in to see if the fish like it. If not, I was chucking it anyhow. If so, then great! Oftentimes the skins and the ends of veggies/fruits have more nutrients than the soft squishy stuff that we focus on. So long as it's not too messy/juicy, I don't see what's wrong with throwing some plant matter in there.
Just be aware that many fruits are HIGHLY acidic, and the pH change in an enclosed area (aka your tank) can be drastic.

 

[ilyke2byte]

Just wanted to say that Zucchini, cucumbers, cantaloupes, etc are ALL fruit, so the not feeding fruit comment is a little silly.

We forget that when we talk about animals that don't have access to sugar 24/7, a little sugar, especially from fruits which are jam-packed with all sorts of good nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, is GOOD and even NECESSARY.

Personally, my biggest pet peeve is wasting food, so I just throw the butts of fruits and veggies in to see if the fish like it. If not, I was chucking it anyhow. If so, then great! Oftentimes the skins and the ends of veggies/fruits have more nutrients than the soft squishy stuff that we focus on. So long as it's not too messy/juicy, I don't see what's wrong with throwing some plant matter in there.
Just be aware that many fruits are HIGHLY acidic, and the pH change in an enclosed area (aka your tank) can be drastic.

I agree! Plus, they have taste buds and a great sense of smell! It's probably a nice change from just plain algae tablets!

And yeah, we plan on taking out the left over strawberry chunk here soon so it doesn't get the water all nasty. Although there isn't much left lol, he loved it!

 

[Noa]

I've never really thought about giving my bristlenose plecos any sweet fruit. Every three or four days I give them either peas, green beans, zucchini, cucumber, broccoli or greens. I keep the peas, green beans, and broccoli frozen, so it sinks, but everything else I string on a plastic coated paperclip and it sinks right to the bottom.