Hiding Plecs

mattmccready · Post by **mattmccready** » 25 Mar 2007, 19:21

Hi guys,

I have a L333 and a L340 Megaclown that I NEVER see! I probably get a fleeting glimpse once every 2 weeks or so. I put cucumber out and aglae waifers but they just get eaten by my Albino Bristlenose.

I have had them both about 5 months and can count the times I have seen them without taking my socks off!! lol

Are these reknown for constant hiding?

Also I was wanting a Green or Blue Phantom but if I will never see them either I may not bother. lol

Cheers,

Matt

Post by **Janne** » 25 Mar 2007, 21:49

Just one of each? How big tank do you have? Buy some more if you have room, give them some caves and feed them with carnivore tablets...same as Corydoras tabs.
That will make them more active and more brave but they will still be shy when they see you

Green and Blue phantom are more active even if they mostly hide most of the day, but they show them self when feeding... it's the same here, more individs and they will be more active, strong currents makes plecos more active too.

Janne

mattmccready · Post by **mattmccready** » 25 Mar 2007, 23:39

Janne wrote:Just one of each? How big tank do you have? Buy some more if you have room, give them some caves and feed them with carnivore tablets...same as Corydoras tabs.
That will make them more active and more brave but they will still be shy when they see you
Green and Blue phantom are more active even if they mostly hide most of the day, but they show them self when feeding... it's the same here, more individs and they will be more active, strong currents makes pl*cos more active too.

Janne

The tank is just under 4 ft.

Plec-wise there's: L333, Megaclown and 2 Albino Bristlenosed

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 27 Mar 2007, 12:15

Some plecos are more shy than others.

Giving them plenty of hiding places will help, because they then know that they are able to quickly hide should they need to. Good shade (floating plants or plants on branches of wood for example) are also useful. If you don't have plants, dimmed lighting is another option.

Feeding in several different places so the less shy bristlenoses don't get all the food will also help. [And as Janne says, more meaty food is better for Hypancistrus species]

--
Mats

Joyce8025 · Post by **Joyce8025** » 31 Mar 2007, 18:22

Matt, I had the same problem of not seeing my plecos until recently. Now my L81, Spot, is out quite often during the day and night, cleaning diligently (no algae--great little housekeeper)and seems to enjoy the waterfall area upon occasion. My L239, Blue, still stays in the composite cave during the day until my overhead light goes off and my 2 blue moonlights come on. Then he comes rushing out for food and do do his share of the housekeeping! He does hang in the doorway and window of his side of the cave and watch me during the day. Maybe add a Gold Nugget (if compatible). My GN and Blue Panaque get along well, sharing the same side of the cave at times. I used to be asked "why have fish if you never see them?" It is nice to see such gorgeous creatures. Joyce

firenzenz · Post by **firenzenz** » 31 Mar 2007, 22:26

Hi- what are the other tankmates if, as Hypa's don't like it too busy, and what is the furniture like. Lots of hiding holes also means lots of option. you could try just two caves, the openings facing the font of tank. They don't have to be big, just something to wedge into, say a small piece of wood, 1/2 a terracotta pot. I use schist rock either dug in to make ledges of little caves and the like that. A little powerhead offering a little more current than rest of tank also will make it an attractive home.

the phantoms are more outgoing for sure especially at night and feeding, mine are on the courgette also before my hand is out of the tank.

Unfortunately plecs are the reaon for many crook necks. Cheers!