Overfeeding Pleco?

[plushberry]

I'm new to this whole pleco thing. I was recommended a pleco as an algae eater and had no clue they needed a variety of foods to be healthy. I figure it's never too late, so I'm introducing my common pleco Rocky to zucchini.

I cut a piece about 1" x 1" and anchored it at the bottom of my tank. He seems to REALLY like it and has eaten quite a bit already and doesn't want to leave it either (perhaps a territorial thing?). It's been in there for about 24 hours now.

Anyways, my question is, is it possible to give him too big of serving sizes? And should I take it out of the water in another day or so, even if it's not finished?

Thanks and sorry if this is a silly question Just learning these things now!

 

[bigbird]

Hello,

In my view a pleco is a grazing feeder and will eagerly take whatever comes o his mouth. Sure one can overfeed, so one must be careful to offer a variety depending on which pleco you have. I always remove my vegies after 12hours. In such high temp water they do tend to possibly pollute the water. Vary the diet, make it controlled and keep an eye on his requirements. I would also suggest a day of not feeding. What other fish are in the tank and what size etc of the tank ? cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[Lornek8]

You can overfeed but really if feeding veggies it's highly unlikely. Veggies have relatively low calories per volume, it's the reason when dieting people are told to eat lots of veggies. I'd agree with bigbird, you should remove any unravel veggies after about 12 hours or so. Some veggies will last longer but until you get some experience and determine which ones, better to be safe and simply remove early. Most of the firmer veggies tend to last longer. You can kinda tell by observing the texture of the veggies. Once it begins to go soft and fall apart you should probably leave it in a little shorter nexttime.

 

[plushberry]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice! I'm looking forward to trying new things!

One other question, are there any veggies that are no no's? Can he get sick eating certain things?

 

[bigbird]

i would stick to the trusted veggies mentione in this forum.
Potatoes, sweat potatoes, zuchinni, brocholli, cuccumbers, peas,
but look at this thread
http://www.plecoplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49&highlight=veggies+for+plecos

ps monitor the length you leave in the tank 12hours as i stated is my max.
Remove and watch the waste
cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[zeebo]

you could also try green and red bell peppers--sweet--not the hot ones. Raw of course.Skin side down as they won't eat the skin. They don't mess up the tank and the plecs l have experience with love them. Just follow what JK and others said about not leaving in past 12hrs.

Georgie