1st post - advice on keeping plec

bagpiper · Post by **bagpiper** » 04 Dec 2003, 13:55

Hi,

I bought a 3" L66 plec on Saturday, my first plec for 15 years. It's in a 36"x12"x15" with pr Geophagus Steindachneri (fairly peaceful S American eartheater cichlids - am I allowed to mention "cichlids" in a catfish forum?) and 9 tetras (Coumbian and Diamonds) but so far the L66 has spent all his time during the day hidden behind the filter. The tank is planted with Swords at either end and decorated with a few rounded pebbles and bogwood, some with plants growing on them. I put in a small flowerpot to create more shelter, substrate is sand. After lights went out last night, I waited a while then shone a torch on the tank and, for the first time saw the L66 rasping on the front glass.
Any clues how I can encourage him to show himself a bit more during the day? The tank lights don't come on till about 16.00, go off about 22.30.
I have let some algae grow on the back glass and have fed with frozen bloodworm and algae wafers.
Any tips would be much appreciated

Best regards from Bonnie Scotland ....

jurassic_pork · Post by **jurassic_pork** » 04 Dec 2003, 17:33

i only own one plec but he was exactly the same when i got him always hidden under the filter till lights out and he is still easily spooked now but after awhile he got used to the feeding times and gradually came out to feed when he does appear spend some time admiring him let him know that your watching him try coaxing him from the filter with algae wafers.im sure with time he will get used to you

metallhd · Post by **metallhd** » 04 Dec 2003, 18:25

I concur - try the algae wafers, they seem to be irresistible. my guys love 'em!

jc · Post by jc » 05 Dec 2003, 01:02

It takes time, mine was quite secretive initially, only dashing out briefly when food was given at nite and immediately dashing back to its hideout when I approached.
It got much bolder after I shifted it into my pl*co/dicus tank.
It now comes out for brief excursions even during the day

It seemed that even though pl*cos are generally territorial, they fair much better with some companions of their own species (compatible ones, of course).

Post by **Barbie** » 05 Dec 2003, 03:13

L66 is a Hypancistrus. They like more meat in their diets than veggie matter, and tend to be pretty reclusive. Once he feels safe and secure, you'll see more of him, but if you reduce the number of hiding places and force him into the open, he'll be stressed, and that's not a good idea. Just give him time to settle in. If you were looking for a janitor for your tank, you might consider purchasing one from the ancistrus family. They should get along well with the king tiger, and also give you the clean up detail. Good luck!

Barbie

bagpiper · Post by **bagpiper** » 05 Dec 2003, 08:55

Thanks for the advice - I did not realise that plecs liked meat in their diet. Apart from frozen bloodworms, can you suggest any alternatives? Will they eat the same as cichlids?

Thanks again

Yann · Post by **Yann** » 06 Dec 2003, 18:37

Hi!

Yeap Hypancistrus are really the kind to hide, especially when newly introduce in a tank.
It does take time to make them out going.
First: not too bright lighting, hey they are catfishes and really prefer to live durning the night.
Same thing for the sand/bottom a dark sand will reflect less light.
Not too much open sand. a lot of driftwood, rocks, cave... is a good idea
Fast moving water created by a high rate filter.
They will love eating bloodworms, brinshrimps, gammarus, pellets, tablets with or without spirulina .
they come from the Rio Xingu so basically they have the same needs regarding water parameters, tank setup and food than Hypancistrus zebra

Cheers
Yann