Bristlenose Pleco Diet

[GeraldTheMouse]

I am going to get a bristlenose pleco for my 37g tank, because Pure said I should. But I need to know what I should feed it once I get it. Should I feed it vegitables, sinking pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, etc...

 

[Pure]

Depends on how old/large they are. As juveniles to adults they are vegetarians with an omnivorous tendency. Meaning they will eat meaty foods but veggies should make up the majority of their diet. This can include algae tabs.

But when young (under an inch) They should be fed more meaty foods than veggies. This helps with their growth and is more natural when compared to their natural habitat.

Feed him/her by dropping some algae tabs or veggies in the tank after lights out. Depending on how shy your guy is at first, the room may also need to be dark for it to feel comfortable enough to come out and eat.

Try to pick one with a full belly that is not sunken in. And definitely pass on any whose eyes look sunken in.

Welcome to the world of plecos Mr Mouse. Can't wait to see some pics.

 

[GeraldTheMouse]

Okay, thanks Pure! It won't be until Saturday or Sunday till I get my first fish, since my tank is almost done cycling.

 

[Stevie]

I am going to get a bristlenose pleco for my 37g tank, because Pure said I should.

LMAO!!!

Pure are you the new pope or somthing???

 

[GeraldTheMouse]

I think he is the new pleco pope, lol.

 

[Pure]

I will let you kiss my ring.

Edit: forgot to mention do read the nutrition break down of the algae tabs, most have fish meal as the main ingredient. I believe hikari sell some that are mostly sprulina. Those are the ones you want. A diet rich in protein will shorted the BNs life span.

 

[GeraldTheMouse]

Main ingrediant = sprulina. Got it.

 

[GeraldTheMouse]

I just came back from my lfs, and I saw a small bristlenose pleco, about 1inch long. During the weekend I'm gonna buy him, and the rams I wanted.

 

[Pure]

If I were you I would hold out for one a little bigger. IME when they are 1 inch and under they are very delicate.

 

[GeraldTheMouse]

Well, acually when I think about it, it seems like it was more like 1.5 - 2.5in. Didn't really notice how small an inch was, lol.

 

[longtyme68]

Are you getting regular brown BNs, or an albino variation? I have a breeding pair of the chocolate/brown in my African Cichlid tank and then a solo female in my South American Cichlid tank. Just curious...

 

[GeraldTheMouse]

I am getting a brown one.

It looks something like this

but with a few bristle thingies.