Pleco eating driftwood

[midnightmadman]

I notice my pleco eats a LOT of my Malaysian driftwood.
I am beginning to wonder if he is contributing to tank pollution way more then he is benefiting from eating alege in the tank?
Has anyone else seen this happen?

​

 

[EliWhitney314]

what kind of pleco?

 

[jackiomy]

Most plecos need the wood to help their digestion. It is totally natural.

 

[bradlgt21]

oh no it's completely normal. my pleco usually camps out on the underside of it all day long. munching away. He still wonders around and finds food but there are times when he will spend a whole day munching on the wood.

 

[midnightmadman]

I think he is a Leopard but not sure. I know its normal for him to eat it, but I am wondering if the cons of all the waste from him are outweighing the benefits of him eating some algae.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

most plecos not really that much of algea cleaner anyways. plus the make a lot of waste. have plecos because you enjoy them.

 

[Rbishop]

Yep, plecos are an enjoyment just on their own...

 

[ksane]

Not many eat algae as they get older although they do need driftwood. Some need it for the fiber and others (like Royals) have to have it as part of their diet. The 'wood chippings' come out the same way they go in-inert for the most part. They're not adding to the bio-load of the tank, just the looks
My Plec tank is one of my pleasures in life to watch, I love them and cleaning up after them is a labor of love because at least I know they're eating well :thm: