Pleco waste problem

[aeri]

I have an issue with two of my plecos, both different size and species and in 2 different tanks.

For some reason after I changed the water 2 days ago, both plecos have been covering each of the tanks with waste...pretty much nonstop.

They've only been eating some of the flakes that were supposed to be for the other fish, and one of the tanks has driftwood while the other doesn't.

I've had them for a bit less than a year and this has never happened.

Any comments as to why this is happening?

 

[mike dunagan]

well biggest complate I hear about plecos is the waste factor... what kinds and size?

 

[rallysman]

They're growing up

 

[aeri]

Not too sure...
As far as I know, one is a 10" Albino Pleco, while the other is a 3" Sailfin Pleco with driftwood in the tank.

The waste wasn't as noticeable as it is now. Now it is literally...everywhere. It's hanging all over ornaments and even on fish and covering the gravel......as funny as it sounds.

 

[aeri]

D:

But it happened almost immediately following a 20% water change.
I also have two other tanks with a pleco in each, same water change same night...but no waste problems >_>

They're growing up

 

[Ianab]

If their diet has changed (like they have been eating left over flake food) so will their poop. So now it may be more like crazy string

Break out the gravel vac and use it when you do your water changes.

Anyone who keeps large plecs eventually becomes good friends with a gravel vac

Cheers

Ian

 

[aeri]

Thanks Ianab. I think you're right.

The flakes I fed recently in those 2 tanks I think have gone bad due to moisture from accidentally dropping some water in...so I bought some new ones today, hope it solves the problem.

I've always been using gravel vac...gravel vac saved my life. And yes it has been stringy. In fact the 10" currently has a 2 foot string of it still hanging from him. Looks like gymnastic ribbons.

 

[Psycho]

I have the same problem, they make it look like I have never cleaned my tank because they poop so much! I think I'm just going to get rid of mine, I am tired of dealing with it.

 

[n0zqh]

I'm going to the EIAA auction today, looking for bushynosed plecos so I can get rid of my common plecos. I hate all the waste that the common plecs are creating in my tanks. The bushynosed are messy also but not to the point the commons are.