Plants and plecos
- Thread starter FishKeeper-16
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Depending on how badly you want to keep you pleco and how mush work you are willing to do, I just keep replanting mine until they take root finally and he can't knock them loose anymore. It is a little frustrating, but most plants get a good hold in 4-5 days and then we don't have any more problems until new plants are added. As a cautionary note, I tend to buy few few delicate plants, because I love my pleco and have no intention of removing him.
If you aren't in love with your pleco, trade the dude in on one of the suggestions above, some folks like fish tanks with plants, others like aquatic gardens with fish. to each their own.
dave
If you aren't in love with your pleco, trade the dude in on one of the suggestions above, some folks like fish tanks with plants, others like aquatic gardens with fish. to each their own.
dave
Has anyone ever used ghost shrimp for algae. I know other types of shrimp that are good i.e amano, but lfs siad that did just as good and they are only 20 cents a piece. I also second the use of ottos and true SAE's over plecos, especially if you have narrow leaved plants.
I have ghost shrimp in my tank, but not really for algae. I have them because I think they are interesting to watch. As for them eating algae, yes, they do pluck the sides of the tank and plants now and again, but they really go after fish flakes. Also, given that they are so small and not really big eaters (not nearly as much as fish) it would take a virtual horde to make a significant dip in algae in most tanks.tuchon35 said:
My clown pleco doesn't bother my plants at all, but doesn't seem to eat any algae either. One oto does more for algae than the clown plec does. I like it anyway, even if it doesn't earn it's keep!
I have heard many people recommend bristlenoses for algae control. They don't appeal to me - I prefer groups of otos personally. I have seen some interesting color variations available with bristlenoses though, such as red marbled. There are also long-finned varieties.
I have heard many people recommend bristlenoses for algae control. They don't appeal to me - I prefer groups of otos personally. I have seen some interesting color variations available with bristlenoses though, such as red marbled. There are also long-finned varieties.
I read about this great idea on how to culture algae and thought you would like to know. To grow your own algae to feed plecos, take a clean mason jar and fill it with dechlorinated water and place and aquarium safe rock in the jar and place it in direct sunlight for a week and then take the rock out and place it in the aquarium so your plecos can eat ithe algae! 
