Pleco not growing?

[CarpCharacin]

I have a common pleco and he is about 2.5 inches long. I got him well over a year ago. He currently resides in my 40 breeder with my ranchus. I feel bad since the water in that tank is cloudy and a water change is long overdue. He has remained about the same size since i got him.

 

[Angelphish]

I have a common pleco and he is about 2.5 inches long. I got him well over a year ago. He currently resides in my 40 breeder with my ranchus. I feel bad since the water in that tank is cloudy and a water change is long overdue. He has remained about the same size since i got him.

The post kind of explains itself. Back when I had my Pleco in my first tank (20 long) it was 1". It wasn't even cycled until 2-3 months later. After I got it cycled, the nitrates were always high (80+). The Pleco was only 3" when I moved it to the 210. Now, 6 months later, it's 9". You're Pleco needs more wc's and a larger tank. I keep my nitrates at 10, which is what they are from the tap.

 

[ehh]

Probably stunted.

 

[Angelphish]

Probably stunted.

At this point it may be.

 

[Angelphish]

Do you have a larger tank that you could put it in? One that has a better water change schedule?

 

[Wailua Boy]

Increase you water change schedule and increase your feeding, try to get him feeding on pellets. If he still doesnt grow, maybe offer a de-wormer.

 

[Angelphish]

Increase you water change schedule and increase your feeding, try to get him feeding on pellets. If he still doesnt grow, maybe offer a de-wormer.

I feed mine Hikari Cichlid Gold. I'm getting about 1" per month, but I've heard people getting more than that with even better feedings and water changes.

 

[Wailua Boy]

I have seen common plecs grow to enormous sizes in 40g breeders...Granted you may see better growth in an outdoor setting, you could put him in your koi pond for the summer months; if you think you can remove him come fall(which can be difficult)

 

[CarpCharacin]

I am going to get a python water changer. I am going to do a water change tomorrow. I feel like i have been neglecting my fish. Will he grow once i start doing more water changes? I am going to set up another 40 that i have for a cichlid with a heater and i will move him up there. I am feeding him hikari algae wafers. I do not feed him that often. I will start feeding him more.

 

[Wailua Boy]

I feed mine Hikari Cichlid Gold. I'm getting about 1" per month, but I've heard people getting more than that with even better feedings and water changes.

That does seem to be the key water changes and quality food