Feeding Young Blue Phantom Pleco (L128)

[cmsbthebest]

Hey all,

So I've recently gotten a very small Blue Phantom Pleco (L128). Its about 1.5 inches long and currently in a 75 with 3 incredibly tiny blue eye lemon bristlenose, 4 SAE, an apistogramma pair, and 30+ tetras.

I'm wondering if anyone has advice on what foods I can offer the L128? There is a ton of algae buildup in the tank that the bristlenose are all clearly feasting on, and I feed NLS flakes to everything else in the tank. I also have dropped algae wafers in occasionally near where the L128 tends to hang out.

I've never observed the L128 eating, but would you consider the leftover flakes, algae buildup, algae wafers and general detritus as a good enough option of foods? I know its most likely active at night, so I'm hoping its scavenging for food. I have sinking cichlid pellets that I could also throw in the tank, but I'm concerned nothing else is going to bother eating them and it will all rot.....

 

[tlindsey]

Hey all,

So I've recently gotten a very small Blue Phantom Pleco (L128). Its about 1.5 inches long and currently in a 75 with 3 incredibly tiny blue eye lemon bristlenose, 4 SAE, an apistogramma pair, and 30+ tetras.

I'm wondering if anyone has advice on what foods I can offer the L128? There is a ton of algae buildup in the tank that the bristlenose are all clearly feasting on, and I feed NLS flakes to everything else in the tank. I also have dropped algae wafers in occasionally near where the L128 tends to hang out.

I've never observed the L128 eating, but would you consider the leftover flakes, algae buildup, algae wafers and general detritus as a good enough option of foods? I know its most likely active at night, so I'm hoping its scavenging for food. I have sinking cichlid pellets that I could also throw in the tank, but I'm concerned nothing else is going to bother eating them and it will all rot.....

I wouldn't worry to much keep giving the other foods.

 

[FESHMAN]

Hey all,

So I've recently gotten a very small Blue Phantom Pleco (L128). Its about 1.5 inches long and currently in a 75 with 3 incredibly tiny blue eye lemon bristlenose, 4 SAE, an apistogramma pair, and 30+ tetras.

I'm wondering if anyone has advice on what foods I can offer the L128? There is a ton of algae buildup in the tank that the bristlenose are all clearly feasting on, and I feed NLS flakes to everything else in the tank. I also have dropped algae wafers in occasionally near where the L128 tends to hang out.

I've never observed the L128 eating, but would you consider the leftover flakes, algae buildup, algae wafers and general detritus as a good enough option of foods? I know its most likely active at night, so I'm hoping its scavenging for food. I have sinking cichlid pellets that I could also throw in the tank, but I'm concerned nothing else is going to bother eating them and it will all rot.....

If he's alive and looking well (no sunken belly and/or eyes) then he's definitely eating. You could try dropping a small piece of cucumber, zucchini, or sweet potato stabbed with a fork to weigh it down if you want to observe the plecos eating. Veggies are more water stable than prepared foods so it shouldn't foul your water. I'd still take the remains (if any) after a day though.