Greedy Barbs

[leibniz]

I have a Pleco to whom I'd like feed an algea tablet every once in a while. I know he wants it, but my Tiger Barbs always get in the way. Even on a full stomach, they cannot leave the tablet alone; it's like a feeding frenzy for them. Of course the Pleco cannot nibble away at it while there are a bunch of barbs constantly getting in the way, pushing it all over the bottom of the tank.

Any advice on what I can do? I thought of making or buying a little tube for the Pleco to hide in -- maybe I can put a tablet in the tube where the barbs can't get it.

[Wippit Guud]

Feed it at night, when the lights are off.

Tiger barbs can't see, plecos don't need to see.

[SayersWeb]

That's what I do.... right after the light goes out (which is on a timer).

[MJMiller]

Feeding at night is probably a good idea... I had the same experience with my plecos. Even my cardinals got in on the act. I usually broke up the tablets, so the tigers had some to fight over and the plecos could get one for themselves. Usually if they sat on it and ate it the barbs would leave it alone.