No it doesn't have to be a planted tank. Anubias is easy to grow and doesn't require anything except lo light and the fish waste. With a BN pleco you get plenty of free fertilizer , HEHE. I have 3 of them . one in each tank and they are my favorite fish. Try a thick slice of raw zucchini squash. Stick a fork or bamboo squewer in it to hold it down. It can take them a few times to realize that it is food. Don't peel the squash. One of mine loves the skin which I just wash under running water, he eats the peel first, and then goes for the insides. My other two like the inside better. Raw broccoli florets are also a big hit. Any type of squash, pumkin, dark leafy greens, green beans, carrot, basically most veggies that you would eat are fine for them, cabbage etc. Also fruits, like melons, strawberry, apple etc. The only foods that I don't feed are citrus fruits, tomatoes, hot peppers, onions, avocado, or pineapple. Keep trying different things till you find out what your's like. That is half the fun of having them. Alison