My poor algae eaters

Question
I usually feed the fish in my brother-in-law's aquarium, which consists of 5 giraffe cichlids, 4 red devils, 3 red oscars and 2 plecostumi, which are not growing at all because the other fish eat the algae wafers I put in the tank.  I have tried distracting the other fish with more food tapping on the other side of the tank and nothing seems to work.  I've used larger wafers which the bigger fish fight over.  Please help me.  It's sad to see these fish starving.

Answer
Hi Tioani,
This is a common problem when plecos are kept with other fish that are very bold eaters.

The best thing to do is either feed the plecos at night when -all- the lights are off. Also, give them some slices of zucchini or romain lettuce too at night. The other fish won't be as excited about these foods but the plecos will love them! Attach the zucchini slice or lettuce leaf to a rock with a rubber band so it sinks to the bottom... And I can bet by morning half or more of the vegetable will be gone!

The cichlids may nibble on the vegetables too and it makes a nice little supplement for them as well.

Good luck and I hope this helps!
Susan~