New to Zebra Pleco

**raynict** · 11th Oct 2009, 22:11

Got pleconitis virus recently and have bought nice 6 pieces pleco L46 from a bro.
Initially put all of them in my fiber tank but somehow these little fellow were to shy away from sight.
So, moved them to my 1.5 ft tank with lapis sand.
At last, see them swimming around in the tank or perhaps trying to 'terrorize' their own place.

How to keep them well?
Basic knowledge on them, know that their meatie diet, like quiet companion, and lots of lots of hiding place.
But this gives me a hard time trying to see them in my tank! Any solution to it?
Must provide lots of hiding place?

Attachment 15110

**desmondekker** · 11th Oct 2009, 23:23

hi raymond, i feed them with hikari carnivore pellets, algae wafers and blood worms.
as to see the fish, needs patience, luck and time!
once in a while i'll swift off all the lights in the room and view the fish with moonlight.
even with that they're not as active as they should!
periodically check their bellies to make sure everyone is eating.
lastly there's a saying, "a hiding zebra is a happy zebra!"

**barmby** · 12th Oct 2009, 01:01

Wow! You dive right in without much research on them.
Be mindful every species is different in terms of demand.
The basic is superior water condition and constant water change needed (2-3 times a week).
They are sensitive to NH3 and NH4.
Must provide sufficient caves with flat surface so that they will not fight for places to rest.
They get especially territorial during maturity and at sub-adult stage.
Hence, sufficient caves are really important so that you won't lose them from some deadly battle example- bigger male may trap and kill other male in a cave.

That's all I can think of.
Have fun.

**raynict** · 12th Oct 2009, 18:10

Thanks both so much for these insightful information.
Well, this can be quite cynical, on one hand hiding zebra is happy zebra but on the other hand wish to see them around the tank, at least give a comfort level of my pleco are still alive!
Hopefully I don't develop to a stage- out of sight is out of mind! Hahaha!

Now trying to have more caves to avoid any mishap as mentioned by Barmby.
Thanks!

**marle** · 12th Oct 2009, 18:54

are they more sensitive than crystal red shrimp?

**desmondekker** · 13th Oct 2009, 11:14

http://www.planetcatfish.com/shanesw...e+Your+Catfish might be useful.

**Plantbrain** · 15th Oct 2009, 23:30

Originally Posted by marle

are they more sensitive than crystal red shrimp?

No, they are fairly tough.
Main thing is providing them with good food supply, decent water quality, warmth etc.

They are not very competitive as far as other species I have, so they are housed in their own small aquarium(ADA 60p). I do use lots of floating plants and wood for hiding, no CO2 and high current.

The scape still looks very nice.

I have 8 fish that I had since they where no larger than 1 cm. Very small. Took about 8 months to get them to about 1 inch, now the growth and feeding has taken off.

They do not grow fast and take about 3-4 years to get to breeding size.
I do not like Hikari, I use a non MSG based algae stick they really like, as well most every fish I have. Spirulina stick from Aquatic Eco, generic, but good quality food.

I can tell you to avoid bloom worms. Young plecos can choke on worms, brine is better and softer, easy to eat for them. I feed the brine(1 part) + sticks(4 parts). They are all very fat and plump and I have higher growth rates than many breeders do.

Regards,
Tom Barr