Zucchini question

[RTCfan86]

For the first time, yesterday I began putting a slice of zucchini in each of my tanks with a pleco in them. It does not appear any damage has been done to the slices since then. Just curious how long it usually takes people to notice their plecos to begin to eat the zucchini. I have a couple common plecos, a couple L400s, and a clown, which has a large piece of driftwood.

 

[dragonfish]

Did you float, sink or attach the zucchini?

 

[BigFishMommy]

it may take the plecos some time to realize the zucchini is food if they have never had it before. just keep offering it and they should eventually eat it. don't leave it in the tank to rot, remove it and replace with new if you don't see anyone eating it after a day.

i spear zucchini slices with a fork to weight them down in the tank for my bn plecos. i don't bother blancing zuch, my plecos eat it just fine fresh and washed. i leave the fork in there (tines down) even when there is no zuch to nom on, and i love it when non fishy friends ask why there is a fork in the tank. i tell them i taught my fish manners and they use utensils when they eat, lol!

 

[RTCfan86]

I use suction cups and a paper clip to keep the zucchini at the bottom.

 

[dragonfish]

I use suction cups and a paper clip to keep the zucchini at the bottom.

Then give them a few days. Put it in right before lights out and remove any leftovers in the morning.

 

[Bassmaster99]

i would get a real algae based food...it is better for them

 

[BigFishMommy]

i would get a real algae based food...it is better for them

plecos require a diet high in fibre, and IMO a commercially prepared algae food does not provide that. natural sources such as veggies are the best thing for them. from what i have read, plecos, as they age/mature, no longer really eat much algae anyway - like the common pleco for one example.

 

[ElectricBlueSeanBurch]

i would get a real algae based food...it is better for them

Not true sir, most pleco's thrive better on veggies. However some require aa protien rich diet and little to no algea based foods

 

[BigFishMommy]

Not true sir, most pleco's thrive better on veggies. However some require aa protien rich diet and little to no algea based foods

ah yes, some plecos are more carnivorous than herbivorous. it is good to know your exact pleco species and feed it accordingly.

 

[Jer]

Put it in at night when your lights go out and eventually your plecos will discover it and when they do.... man, look out! You can start throwing it in mid-day and they will come out of the woodwork and fight for it practically (or literally sometimes).