what to feed my large pleco

1. Keep driftwood in the tank at all times. Your pleco needs lots of fiber in their diet, and they can get it from driftwood.
2. Feed your pleco algae wafers. To ensure your pleco has enough algae in its diet, you should supplement the algae in the tank with algae wafers.
3. Add meat to your pleco’s diet. Plecos are omnivores, meaning they eat plants and animals. Your pleco will enjoy earthworms, bloodworms, and shrimp.
4. Feed your pleco fruit and vegetables. Your pleco will enjoy a variety of vegetables, like broccoli, shelled peas, lima beans, kale, celery, cabbage, and zucchini.

Full Answer

How to feed a pleco fish?

Simply chop into small pieces and drop them into the bottom of the tank. Plecos are beautiful creatures that have been gracing our aquariums for years. They majorly feed on algae, but in captivity, their diet mainly comprises of tablet algae, veggies, and meat.

What is Tetra pro pleco food?

The Tetra PRO pleco food is an algae wafer, that comes in a single package size of 5,29 ounces. It contains many wafers that are perfect for feeding even larger pleco fish.

What do plecostomus eat?

Since plecos are omnivores, the discs or rounds you find in shops will usually be blended with vegetables and protein. Drop the wafers or any food source at night, but make sure it’s near your plecostomus. Keep the lights off and allow them to enjoy.

What is the best algae wafer for pleco fish?

The Hikari wafer is again, an algae wafer, perfect for pleco fish, that don’t have enough algae in the water. You shouldn’t go wrong with this product, since Hikari is one of the first to ever produce algae wafers for plecos; they have a long and good track record for making quality fish food.

What food is best for Plecos?

5 Best Pleco Foods ReviewedOmega One Veggie Rounds. Omega One Veggie Rounds contain high-quality ingredients that make them an excellent choice for most plecos. ... Northfin Kelp Wafers. ... New Life Spectrum Algaemax Wafers. ... Repashy Morning Wood. ... Repashy Soilent Green.

How often should I feed my pleco?

One to two times per weekWhile Plecos do eat detritus and algae, it will still need its diet supplemented. Feed your Pleco every day or every other day with Pleco-specific food. One to two times per week, feed your Pleco pieces of cucumber, zucchini, or lettuce (not iceberg).

What do you feed a Hypancistrus?

2:228:18My Top 5 Zebra Pleco Foods - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey have a 47 percent protein content and the first ingredients are krill meal and fish meal they'MoreThey have a 47 percent protein content and the first ingredients are krill meal and fish meal they're a smaller pellet. As you can see and they have no problem sinking.

What fruit and veg can Plecos eat?

You can offer your plecos veggies like broccoli, shelled peas, lima beans, kale, celery, cabbage, zucchini, and others. It is best to cut your veggies into small pieces so your fish can easily munch on and consume these foods.

How many algae wafers should I feed my pleco?

Offer at least one algae wafer per day. Your home aquarium will not provide enough algae to keep your pleco full. Give your pleco an algae wafer at night before you go to bed, as plecos are nocturnal and eat at nighttime.

How do I keep my plecos happy?

8:1112:51One Of The Most Mistreated Fish In The Hobby. Top 10 ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo use some common sense they generally won't hunt other fish. But if they get large enough and theyMoreSo use some common sense they generally won't hunt other fish. But if they get large enough and they're smaller fish in the tank. And they have the opportunity.

Can I feed cucumber to my pleco?

0:295:42#414: How to Sink Raw Cucumbers for Plecos - Tank Tip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they've come up with this really ingenious little tool to help you feed raw vegetables to yourMoreAnd they've come up with this really ingenious little tool to help you feed raw vegetables to your plecos.

Does my pleco need driftwood?

Plecos are known to feed on driftwood in minimal amounts. Driftwood consists of nutrients that help in the digestion process of Plecos. However, where driftwood can certainly help in enhancing the health of a Pleco, it is not really a need or necessity.

How do I know if my pleco is healthy?

A healthy pleco should have a nice rounded belly. A pleco with a hollow looking stomach is sick or starving! Myth #3: "Plecos will only grow as large as your tank lets them. A 10 gallon is just fine."

Can you feed a pleco a banana?

3:0310:51Pleco Vs. Banana - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut my plecos do not like bananas guys yeah they just get on it. And then they get off of it. BeenMoreBut my plecos do not like bananas guys yeah they just get on it. And then they get off of it. Been in here an hour they've ate through the you know the outer edge of it too.

Can I feed my pleco Apple?

I try to feed them veggies and fruits a couple times a week. So far they have liked zucchini, blanched spinach and cucumber. They did not like the apple, banana, or honeydew melon that I put in there.

Will plecos eat fish poop?

No, plecos won't eat fish poop. Despite being a popular cleaner fish, plecos don't eat poop because fish poop is already processed and contains very few nutrients. Additionally, you can't even rely on plecos to keep your tank clean because they are big fish and produce a lot of waste themselves.

How do you feed a pleco?

Plecos require plenty of fiber. Supplement with raw zucchini, sweet potato, carrots, lettuce, spinach or cucumbers as a treat once or twice a week. Raw vegetables should be anchored near the bottom of the aquarium. Some plecos require driftwood as part of their diet, supplying them with cellulose and lignin.

How do I know if my pleco is stressed?

If you notice that your fish is breathing heavily or gasping for air, or if you pick up on any behavioral (reduced activity, excessive hiding, sporadic movements or decreased appetite), physical (nicks or tears) or color changes (lighter to darker, darker to lighter, discoloration or spots), they could be suffering ...

How often should I feed my algae eaters?

Feed your new pet algae eater wafers daily along with occasional supplements of fresh veggies, like sliced zucchini or kale.

Do plecos sleep during the day?

Most aquarium fish are diurnal, meaning they move about during the day and rest at night. However, some species are nocturnal and prowl at night, spending daylight hours sleeping in a cave or crevice. Certain species of catfish and plecostomus, some knife fish, loaches and others fall into this category.

What do plecos eat?

Some plecos lean toward eating meatier foods, and all of them will enjoy occasional meals of small worms, insect larvae, crustaceans or such. These high-protein treats are no doubt similar to the small creatures they could capture while grazing on algae beds in the wild. I do give frozen bloodworms to my plecos with some regularity, and during gardening season, treats of small (or chopped- don’t gag please, they really are frozen and broken) earthworms. The only trick is to feed the cats in mixed tanks without the other fish stealing the treats. I do this using red lights after the regular tank lights and room lights are out, but then everybody already knows I am a bit crazy.

What fish are attacking my pleco catfish?

A recurring theme on the boards are pleas for help, shock, and dismay from tank keepers whose pleco catfish are attacking their prize Discus, Gouramis, Silver Dollars, Goldfish, or any other fish with a large enough body for the pleco to grasp with their mouth.

What is the best lettuce for fish?

Leaf lettuces are also popular and good foods for these fish. Romaine is the most commonly suggested, but most dark leaf lettuces can be used. Iceberg lettuce is low in food value and would provide essentially bulk only, I do not use it. Leaves are best either blanched or frozen.

Do plecos like brackish conditions?

But they get rather large and like brackish conditions. Plecos also will not do well with only the leftovers from the other fish. Hopefully there will not be enough of that to keep them going, and it is not likely to be an adequate diet.

Can pleco cats eat algae?

Algae. Most of us purchase our first pleco cat as an algae eater. Most of these fish will do that, with some reservations. The Hypostomus-type plecos will usually do a pretty good job on the tank glass, river rock, and large pieces of driftwood. But they quickly grow too large and heavy to work on plant leaves.

Is a zebra pleco herbivore?

At least one population of the currently popular and expensive Zebra Pleco is such a fish. It appears to be more adapted to a micropredator lifestyle than to be herbivorous. But the majority are herbivores. Feeding in tanks is not difficult, but they do need to have a higher bulk diet than most other fish.

Is Java Fern a fishkeeper problem?

They would prefer softer, more readily available food, but if there is not any, they will eat what they can get. This can include just about any plant we grow, with the probable exception of Java Fern. This behavior is not a fish problem; it is a fishkeeper problem.

How to get a pleco to eat?

1. Keep driftwood in the tank at all times. Your pleco needs lots of fiber in their diet, and they can get it from driftwood. Make sure to provide several pieces of driftwood in the aquarium at all times so your pleco can suck and scrape it off. The tiny pieces of driftwood the pleco eats help with its digestion.

How often should I feed plecos?

Feed your pleco fruit or vegetables once or twice per week. Fruit and veggies will provide your pleco with fiber, which they need to stay healthy. Offer your pleco fruit or vegetables once or twice per week.

How big of an aquarium do plecos need?

Provide them with plenty of room. In the aquarium, plecos can grow up to 18 inches (46 cm) long! This means you’ll need an aquarium larger than 100 gallons (380 L). You can choose a smaller species of pleco, like the Golden nugget, Zebra, Clown, or Bristlenose pleco, if you have a tank smaller than 100 gallons (380 L).

What is a pleco catfish?

The pleco, or plecostomus, is a type of catfish often housed in aquariums. Plecos are algae-eaters, but your home aquarium won’t provide enough algae to keep your pleco full. You’ll need to feed plecos algae wafers too.

How to know if a pleco is hungry?

Observe your pleco after feeding. After you provide food for your pleco, watch and see if your pleco gobbles it down. If your pleco immediately begins to munch on the food, they may be overly hungry and need to be fed more often. If your pleco ignores the food, they may need to be fed less often.

When to give pleco algae wafer?

Give your pleco an algae wafer at night before you go to bed, as plecos are nocturnal and eat at nighttime. If the wafer has been completely consumed by the time you wake up, you can offer another algae wafer to your pleco in the morning. ...

Can plecos eat algae?

If you have a small juvenile pleco, they may be able to get by on the algae in the tank, algae wafers, and scraps left over from feeding other fish. However, if the pleco is the only fish in the tank, it will need to be fed more often.

When Do I Feed My Pleco?

A plecostomus is primarily noctunral and prefers to graze at night. You may find your pleco laying motionless or resting for much of the day. Train your pleco to eat at night because it’s when they are most comfortable and active. This is when they will need the extra nutrition.

What Do I Feed My Plecostomus?

Your plecostomus loves to eat. Most plecos grow quite large at over 12-15 inches. Some are able to grow up to 24 inches. They will not get enough nutrients from algae and detritus in your tank. Discs, rounds and wafers intended for plecos are easy to buy from your local fish shop, but they are not enough as well.

How Do I Know If My Pleco Is Overeating?

Do you keep driftwood in the tank? Do you know that your pleco will ingest bits of driftwood by grazing their sandpaper-like teeth over it for additional fiber? They may also nibble on plants and definitely continue looking out for algae. Your nightly meals may get to be heavy.

How Many Wafers Should I Feed My Plecostomus?

Pleco-specific food usually arrives in the form of sinking rounds, discs or wafers. If you are dropping algae wafers, two will be enough. If you have a current, air pump, powerhead or strong filter, you should clip the food to the glass attached to a suction cup.

Which Fruits Do Plecos Eat?

It’s fun to experiment with your plecostomus. They are hardy eaters and will try almost anything you are offering at the same time and place each night. If there isn’t competition for it, your pleco will eat in peace and comfort.

How Much Do I Feed A Pleco?

You can feed your pleco 2 wafers or discs a night. If you see that they have been consumed it and there are no other food sources, you could choose to drop another wafer in the morning.

Which Food Is Best For A Pleco?

The food you prepare will always be the best. You take the time to cut, clean, boil or blanch the food and they are single source ingredients. The cheaper blends contain fillers and preservatives.