Pleco That doesn't suck slime coat...Looking for one that will eat algae but not suck slime coat of my bottom dwellers. I know nothing about plecos so please give me ideas. I really like L114 and the albino gibbiceps pleco. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Pleco That doesn't suck slime coat
- Thread starter Troy1015
- Start date
They do it for 2 reasons. They are hungry and territorial. Feed them enough and give them hiding places and they should be fine.
The worst slime sucking offenders are the Pterygoplichthys genera so the gibby is not recommended and the L114 is a meat eater so he won't eat algae. The best algae eater I've had is my L137 however their diet needs to be supplemented with wood and fresh vegetables on top of the algae, my L137 was also in with my 12 bichirs and 4 eels with no problems
To give everyone a idea of what will work can you tell us the size of tank, the other fish that will be with them, and water parameters?
Thanks,
Chuck
Thanks,
Chuck
My opinion is that a shape of the mouth and teeth of scraping types of fish who eat algae are also conducive to being able to slime coat suck. Whether you get one who does or not may vary from individual to individual.
If you have an algae problem, I suggest fixing the reason you are getting algae, not getting a pleco to fix it for you.
If you want a pleco, but do not want one who sucks slime coat, your best bet are the meat eating types.
If you have an algae problem, I suggest fixing the reason you are getting algae, not getting a pleco to fix it for you.
If you want a pleco, but do not want one who sucks slime coat, your best bet are the meat eating types.
Tank is 6x30x2 225 gallon filtered by 55 gallon sump. Tank inhabitants are 5 ATF, silver dollars, and some bichirs 16 to 23 inches. Param Ammonia 0 Nitrite 0 nitrate 20 PPM
Then I would suggest plecos:
From the Scobinancistrus group: L014, L368, L254
From the Pseudacanthicus group: L024, L025, L114*, L273*,
*(I worry it might be too small but Im not a bichir expert)
Also fish from the Leporacanthicus group, but I think the would be too small.
https://www.planetcatfish.com/common/genus.php?genus_id=64#230
from my experience the main offenders are in the Pterygoplichthys genera I've been able to keep them with bichirs by making sure they received enough veggies and meat. I've noticed the only time they would suck on the slime coat was if I tried to skip days without feeding either tilapia or pellets so I'm thinking it has to do more with not getting enough protein.
