How to Care for Your Pleco

So you have begun the wonderful hobby of fish keeping and decided to buy a Pleco? Here are some tips and advice for you.

First, make sure your tank is set up, keeping close watch on temperature which should be between 72 and 82 degrees. Also you need to monitor the pH and alkalinity every time you change the tank water. The pH of the tank water (varies from fish to fish) should be between 6.0 and 8.0(for a Pleco).

You want to make sure you have a tank ready and waiting before you bring home a Pleco, at least a week or two so that algae can naturally form on the sides of your tank. If you do not have the patience to wait (or possibly antsy kids who can not wait), just buy some lettuce, peas, or veggie/algae wafers (from the pet store), for the Pleco to eat. These small relatives of the catfish also munch on driftwood, which helps their digestive and immune systems.

Lastly, you should change your tank filter along with your tank water every 2-3 weeks, changing 25-50% of the water; you should do a full water change at least once a month.

In a tank environment, Plecos usually grow to be about 2-4 inches, while in the wild they can grow anywhere from 12-24 inches!

Some common problems that I have noticed in my tank are: black/grayish skin color, this could be ICK, a fungus that grows on fish! ICK can be treated with Wardley's ICK Away or ICK fizzing tablets (they are all safe to put in the tank with your fish). Another noticeable problem is when you see your Pleco scavenging at the bottom of the tank; this could mean that they are not getting enough food.

While caring for your new Pleco, be sure to watch for signs of sickness, hunger, and do not forget to change the water!

Happy fish keeping!