Why does my placo not get the cover of green algae in my cichlid tank and should I treat it myself?

Question

I have a cichlid tank with one placo. He stays hid most of the time as usual but I know he has been out. Recently I have been getting a film of real colorful green algae but it only is on the rocks and decor. I dont know what started it, but it doesnt look like he has even attempted to touch it. My question is "why" and "should I treat itmyself or would that be taking food away from him?

Answer 1

that's because the pleco eats brown algae but not the green algae

you need to take care of that by yourself

just remove the decorations and rinse them with warm water and use a scrub brush, which is only used for this purpose and you are ready to put them back into your tank

DO NOT use any chemicals to remove that chunk

Answer 2

That green algae forms a very thin and tough layer, the plecos dont seem to be able to get it off the rough rocks.

If you have cichlids then you probably dont have live plants. So cut back the lighting on the tank. That will reduce the green algae and encourage the brown stuff that the pleco will eat.

Otherwise you can just leave it, it's harmless.

Ian