Pleco won't eat algae?

[yen]

My pleco (about 4-5 inches) used to do a really good job keeping my 50g tank free of algae. Recently he's developed a taste for the shrimp pellets I feed the catfish, and he has stopped eating algae! What should I do? Everything in the tank is turning brown, and I'm afraid the catfish isn't getting enough to eat. Should I get snails? My tank is already kinda crowded, so I don't want to add much more to it.

Thanks,
jen

 

[OrionGirl]

Few plecos eat algae throughout their life. Most graze as juveniles, and then need more meaty foods as adults. If you won't be able to accomodate the adult size, try finding it a new home. Bristlenose are one of the few I know of that will continue to eat algae as adults, though even they will eat more meaty foods as adults.

For algae control--fish are seldom a good choice. Most are like plecos, or become very aggressive. Controlling nutrients by feeding properly and cleaning often is usually a better option, IMO.

 

[swinneyw]

i agree with oriongirl

 

[toddnbecka]

Sounds typical for a common pleco that size, and it most likely needs a larger tank anyway. I'd swap it off for a BN pleco.

 

[pinkertd]

I agree with Todd. Bristlenose first and foremost love diatoms and biofilm over prepared foods. Is your pleco a common pleco?

 

[snoopy65]

This thread is from 2004:jaw-dropping:, I think they probably have figured it out by now.

 

[pinkertd]

Too funny! That's a looooooooooooong time ago!

 

[toddnbecka]

The pleco definitely needs a larger tank by now... :duh: