Royal Pleco diet?

[wolfnnc]

I was at the LFS today and saw some Royal Plecos for about $20 (3-4 inches) was going to pick one up by the guy said that they REQUIRE a certain type of driftwood..how true is that?

If not how similar to the common pleco's diet is the royals?

Thanks

 

[vanimate]

The royals do eat wood as well as all the panaques. They also eat algae wafers like the common pleco.

 

[loach43]

Wood is indeed required for consumption.

 

[JD_MAN]

My royal mainly eats frozen peas and zuchini. But, I also have several pieces of driftwood in the tank with him.

 

[Drowning]

It is not an absolute requirement however panaques especially the royal would benefit GREATLY with the addition. Since royals have become so popular, the have been kept by many, people who do not know thier preferences. I have seen people keep royals without drift but would never keep mine without it. Drift wood especially mopani or tiki is always a good idea with any plec. Softens the water, gives a great natural hidden crevice and is esthetically pleasing. Royals are able to take alot of nutrients out of wood. I would never keep one without it.

Drowning

 

[Datnoid101]

I keep lots of malaysian drift wood in my tank. My Royal spends all day on it rasping away. I also feed it hikari algae disk and shrimp pellets. Remember that drift wood is a common item in their natural habitat. Wood is good rufage for these certain plecos.

 

[prm]

definitely get some wood if youre planning on keeping a royal. I feed mine algea disks,cucumber,zucchini,shrimp pellets,carrots etc. You will be amazed at how much they poop too, It makes you keep up with water changes.