Pleco question

[Mr502go]

Was trying to find a pl*co I'd like in my tank, the Zebra Pl*co, is a gorgeous creature that I'd love to have, and fits the bill perfectly except that they don't eat algae, and have to be deliberately fed (according to: http://www.mongabay.com/fish/loricariidae.htm#Hypostomus plecostomus )

Has anyone had any experience with this fish??

Could it live with an Osto, I understand they are peaceful as well. I also see where the Zebra will eat Daphnia, which I understand to be parasites in the aquarium world.

By deliberately fed can I just drop in some tabs/flakes, or do I have to move them to the plec??

Thanks for the help.

 

[sweetsuvvyb]

you'll have to get sinking algae wafers specifically designed for plecos and other similar bottom feeders. They'll find them...although if yours is especially shy, he might not want you to watch him eat lol

in your 10 gallon, i would stick to just the pleco on the bottom level, and look for some mid level schoolers (but thats just me!)

 

[madasafish]

Are you aware of how expensive the Zebras are? I haven't found a more expensive Pleco out there... The ones I've seen for sale usually go for about $100.

E.G. Check out http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=21&pCatId=1136. $98...

Not to shoot you down. I REALLY REALLY want some ZPs, too........
If you can afford them, by all means buy some!

 

[Mr502go]

hee, hee, no, I didn't know how expensive they are, but that wouldn't have really mattered if they cleaned glass, I guess they're so Hi-Falootin (and high dollar) they "don't do" windows hee hee

Too bad they won't live with another algae eater.

 

[RogerMcAllen]

check out www.planetcatfish.com for all of the zebra pleco info you could ever want. Just search it on their boards, and check it out in the e-log.

 

[AtodaJ]

Too bad they won't live with another algae eater.

Where did you get that info from?

Zebras are beatiful plecs and only get up to 3" generally. Yes they are pricy but how cute is this!

http://www.ekkwill.com/zebraplecol46.html

Zebras are primarily meat eaters so forget about feeding them algae wafers or the traditional "greens". They love lots of water movement and lots of hiding places too. Zebras are very peacful and if you find another peaceful algae eater you should be fine (generally speaking). Breeding them isn't that difficult either (contrary to popular opinion). You just have to set up the right environment but I don't think you are interested in breeding them so... nevermind.... hehe.

Enjoy!