Red Pleco

[Melaniew55]

I have an albino pleco that is slowly turning more red inside it seems. I have a 55 gallon with 3 tetra, 2 loaches and the pleco. There are 3 air bubblers and also a Fluval canister filter. Took reading last night and nitrite/nitrate were 0 and ammonia was .25. Is he okay? Can’t find much info online

 

[HannahJo]

What is the temp of your tank? Also, what are you feeding?

 

[HannahJo]

Also, I'd be worried about your ammonia @ .25 ppm.... I'd be trying to get that lowered. Plecos can become quite effected by high ammonia and turning red is one of the reactions.

 

[Melaniew55]

It’s at 78/80, is that too high?

 

[HannahJo]

That's fine. Plecos can handle a pretty wide range- they are not a super warm lover so I wouldn't venture any higher than 78-80. Get your ammonia lowered, this could be negatively effecting your fish.
If your pleco is eating meaty foods, it could be taking on color because of that.

 

[Melaniew55]

Been trying to feed different things, but really haven’t seen him eat much but suck on the glass. I have seen him eat a cucumber and fish flakes that fall. He won’t eat the bug bites, seaweed or algae wafers I’ve tried...
he is still very red, even getting more red. I’ve done 2 25% changes this week. He isn’t going up for air at the top. I can’t figure it out