Yes, bristlenose plecos need wood
. Placing driftwood and wood bark in the tank will greatly benefit your bristlenose plecos. In fact, failing to provide your bristlenose plecos with wood might even cause them to die prematurely.
Do plecos need oxygen pumps?
Fast flowing water is very well-oxygenated because the surface of the water is turbulent. Therefore,
some plecos can have a higher dissolved oxygen requirement than fish from slower moving water
. So, your first step if your pleco is gulping will be to add another air pump and airstone to see if that resolves the issue.
Can pleco survive out of water?
Plecos can live up to 30 hours outside water if they store enough oxygen in their bellies
— this is why plecos are sometimes seen gulping air at the water's surface.
Can a pleco live in cold water?
Most plecos are tolerant of waters ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30°C), though they prefer temperatures between about 75 and 82°F (24-28°C). With that being said, there are some pleco species that are hardier than others, and may be able to withstand some cooler waters. A Bristlenose Pleco.
How do I keep my plecos happy?
Does pleco need driftwood?
Is Driftwood Necessary For Plecos? Plecos are known to feed on driftwood in minimal amounts. Driftwood consists of nutrients that help in the digestion process of Plecos. However, where driftwood can certainly help in enhancing the health of a Pleco,
it is not really a need or necessity
.
Can plecos live without driftwood?
Without fiber, there is a chance the fish might get constipated/bloated if they are eating a lot. Size is not an issue so long as they have a piece of wood to eat on. That being said,
if your pleco has made a home out of the driftwood, he will most likely get stressed out until he established a new place to hide.
What kind of wood do plecos like?
How do you tell if a pleco is stressed?
If you notice that your fish is breathing heavily or gasping for air, or if you pick up on any behavioral (reduced activity, excessive hiding, sporadic movements or decreased appetite), physical (nicks or tears) or color changes (lighter to darker, darker to lighter, discoloration or spots), they could be suffering …
Can a plecostomus blink?
Plecos do not have eyelids, but
they can roll their eyes to the back of there heads, giving the empression that the fish is blinking
. So if you look closer, you might be able to see the difference.
Why is my plecostomus lying upside down?
Many plecos fall asleep hanging upside down on a piece of driftwood. Sometimes during their nap they let go and just fall down without waking up. So
finding a pleco laying upside down is normal
.
How long can a pleco live without food?
Bristlenose plecos can go
14 days
without food. These bottom-dwelling fish are very hardy and can survive quite long without eating anything. However, going that long without food can result in growth stunts, stress, and illnesses. Bristlenose plecos may starve because their owners don't feed them.
Are plecos friendly?
Having them together with a few plecos is a great idea, because
they are a peaceful breed among tropical fish
. To make sure they live happily in your tank, you should buy at least 5 or 6, because they are schooling fish. Any number lower than 5, will make them feel bad, and they can even get sick because of this.
Can a pleco live alone?
Yes, bristlenose plecos can live alone
. Bristlenose plecos are solitary fish, so they don't need tank mates to keep them company. They can live alone in the tank with no problems. Moreover, bristlenose plecos, especially males, are highly territorial towards each other.
Can plecos live in outdoor ponds?
The general rule is that
if your outdoor pond has warm temperatures, high levels of oxygen, and a high concentration of algae, then the environment is suitable for keeping a plecostomus fish
. The pH of the water cannot be less than 6.0, and it should be at least 6.5 to 7.5.
Can a pleco live with goldfish?
Pleco bristlenose can be housed with comet goldfish
, too; they can serve as algae-eating fish, cleaning up the tank debris, as well as just a basic tank mate to your comets.
How hardy are plecos?
Bristlenose Plecos are
quite hardy
and can adapt to a wide range of water parameters. They require temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. Though, somewhere in the middle of that range is ideal. As for pH balance, it should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
Can I hold my pleco?
PSA:
It's ok to hold plecos out of the water
.
Do plecos like light?
Heating & Lighting
While Plecos aren't likely to come out during the day,
you can increase the chance of seeing them during the day by dimming the aquarium lights in the morning or evening, or by adding floating plants that will block some of the light
.
How do plecos sleep?
They remain motionless for periods of time.
They lay on the bottom or an object in the aquarium
. They don't react to things going on around them. They exhibit this behavior at about the same time each day, usually when the aquarium light is turned off.
What is the lifespan of a pleco?
Plecostomus are primarily nocturnal and will spend daytime hours resting along the benthos in dark crevices. The average lifespan for plecostomus is
10 to 15 years
.
How do you take care of a pleco?
Do plecos like Spider wood?
Yes, Bristlenose Plecos need wood to rasp on as apart of their diet
. Small or skinny pieces of wood can be used, as long as other hiding places are provided.
Do plecos like broccoli?
Cooked broccoli is a favorite of many algae eaters, especially the common pleco
. Prepare fresh broccoli by boiling it until it is soft but not mushy, then strain it and let it cool completely. Slice the stems of the broccoli and sink them in the tank for your algae eaters to enjoy.
Is a Bristlenose a pleco?
Bristlenose Plecos (sometimes called the Bushy Nose Pleco or Bristlenose Catfish) are
incredibly unique and fun creatures that are quite popular in freshwater tanks
. They're also rather polarizing. Some aquarists think that they look fun and unique (like us), while others think they look odd and creepy.
