Pleco deatruction

[Angela1108]

So in my planted 55 gal we have a rather destructive pleco who is mowing down my sword. It makes me sad. I am pretty positive it is him because the holes are v shaped when they start. I wondered about deficiencies but I think I am ok. We use flourish, flourish excel, and root tabs under each of the plants.

I have heard/read that having a piece of drift wood for him to munch on might help. My only concern is I think that dw makes the water softer and brings down ph, right? Our tap already comes out pretty low- after 24 hours waiting it is around 6.6

So my question I guess- any type of dw that doesn't bring down ph or any other ideas of something that might deter him? If I put a large chunk of cucumber in he will eat that and seems to leave the plants alone. We feed him algae tabs and veggies


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[Angela1108]

Supposed to be destruction for the title. Apparently I can't type lol


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[Fishdude3233]

Driftwood will not effect your ph that much especially if you boil it before using, and do water changes.


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[Angela1108]

Yeah we do weekly changes anyways. Maybe I will try it then! I knew to boil for the tannins and stuff but I had read in a few places it might lower. Worst case try it and then take it out if it does.


I've also been contemplating a substrate change to sand instead of gravel. Not sure if it is coincidence or what but our other tanks ph is significantly higher- 7.6 Well not super high but compared so 6.8 it is) and the only difference other than stock is sand


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[Hoffman]

Ohhhh it's him! I just got rid of mine! Sh##ed all over the place! cleared out my baby tears, and I would hide all the time. Last pleco I will ever buy!

 

[Angela1108]

Yeah. Kinda annoying. My sword looks like poop now :/

We are debating returning him. Despite the eating of the plants I do like him though :/


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[Hoffman]

It all depends on what you want more, great plants or a great big fish! I picked my plants.

 

[Angela1108]

Yeah. He is (at least I am pretty sure) the only one eating the plants. Doesn't seem to go for the anubias much.

We are definitely debating keeping him or not


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[1972ford]

my 19 inch pleco leaves my java fern and anubus alone i just find them floating in the 200 gallon once they anchor though it looks great.

ps any suggestions for plants with plecos? id like a little more variety

 

[Angela1108]

Mine leave the hornwort and anacharis alone. I have mine tied down into th gravel to look like plants even though they are floating plants


I had water wisteria and he ate it super bad and I moved it to my other tank


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