How to get pleco to notice algae wafer?

[kikicool]

I'm just stalking these forums tonight. Just found you guys!

I have a pleco. I have driftwood in my tank, and he seems to love that--always on it. So much for helping out with the algae! My question is this: I bought algae wafers recently. I put them in the tank at night, since I was told plecos are nocturnal and will have a better chance of eating the disc at night. However, I can't seem to get him to NOTICE it. I saw the guarami eating at it a few times, but it's always a mush in the AM and he's never anywhere near it. Advice? Thanks!!

 

[fishcatch22]

since you have driftwood in the tank, he probably is eating that and feels no need to eat the algae wafer. either that or he doesn't like the brand. mine refuses all but 2 brands of algae wafer.

 

[kikicool]

Please do tell...what brands does yours prefer? I have wardley spirulina discs?

The driftwood is quite large. You think that would be enough? I was afraid that maybe he was getting just enough to stay alive... you know?

 

[fishcatch22]

each pleco is different. wardley and HBH are the only ones that have worked for me because they have no fish meal, and for some odd reason my BN pleco eats only vegtable material and never touches meat.

many plecos love driftwood. as long as his belly is round, not hollow, and his head is not caved in he's getting enough to eat.

 

[kikicool]

Phew! He looks good then. Thanks so much for the reassurance!

 

[tai95]

What type of pleco do you have? Some species don't eat algae, so if you have one of those types this could be why it's ignoring the wafer.

 

[lovemybarbs]

How long have you had him? My large pleco sort of asks for his. I'll feed the other fish and he'll stick his head out of his cave and stare at me.

It took a long time for him to get used to me.

 

[wataugachicken]

mine love wardleys algae wafers and omega one shrimp pellets. hikari wafers are a big fat joke in my tanks.

 

[Malefic23]

Wardly's is one of the taster's choice for a lot of plecos. You might try soaking the wafer in garlic juice to get his attention. If he's been raised on something else, he might not recognize wafer as food yet. Also, as mentioned, some don't eat algae at all. If you've got a clown or royal for example, the biggest part of their diet is eating wood. Tiger plec's and vampires prefer meaty treats.. the list goes on..