Dead Plecostomus in less than a week?

Question

we just got a fish tank for our 4 yr old. He's very good with it and feeds them when he's supposed to. all of the other fish are doing fine, except his Plecostomus died last night...we've had him less than a week. The pet store has a two week guarantee, but how do I ensure that this doesn't happen again? I asked about feeding and the guy at the pet store didn't say anything about special food, so he's been getting the same flakes as the others. Now I'm reading that he should eat vegetables?

Answer 1

they are tropical fish and need sinking pleco food and supplementary veges

they also eat wood so get some aquarium driftwood

it pays to research your pet before you buy it

Answer 2

You need to get Algae Waffers for the Pleco.  Since the tank was a new set up, the Pleco probably starved to death.  Also, they like to eat a night.

Answer 3

your tank may not of cycled yet so that might be the reason

Answer 4

Pleco's are an algae eater and bottom feeder. They will pretty much eat anything that falls to the bottom of the tank, but they need a good supplement of algae in their diets. Algae wafers are a good choice for these fish.

Random Fact: They will usually grow to the size of the tank, but larger tanks allow it to grow to its full adult size (around 16 inches or so).

Answer 5

Yes pleco's are omnivorous.

Some good veggies to feed are, zucchini, cucumbers, dark green leafy veggies.

here is a great site with a wealth of info on these

http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/spe...

Answer 6

Not all plecos grow to 16 inches. You can get smaller species of plecos such as dwarf plecs for example,  just do research on the net.

They eat algae wafers / cucumber / courgettes they even get some nutrients from the bog wood.

Answer 7

They sell algae wafers that are perfect for plecos.  Also, if you take a water sample to a pet store they will usually test it for you and let you know if there is a problem.  Whoever told you plecos could just eat flakes doesn't really know what they're talking about.  I prefer the locally owned and operated fish stores opposed to the big chains with uneducated employees.

Answer 8

Random Fact: They will usually grow to the size of the tank, but larger tanks allow it to grow to its full adult size (around 16 inches or so).

false.. fish will not grow to the size of the tank. they will grow as big as they can and usually die before they reach full size because the tank doesn't accommodate them. like lack of o2 in the water