Queston about freshwater pleco keeping alive

Question
I have a 55 gallon Fish tank, Fresh water, I have Three Blood red parrot Cichlid fish Two small black Striped Cichlid and one Channel Catfish All large Fish over 6 years old, Over the last few years i havent been able to keep any Pleco in my tank alive? i have went though over 6 tragic Deaths and dont understand i have a biowheel Filteration System my tank is crystal clear with algae building up weekly always scraping tank sides every other week ! no reason for him to be dieing Last over 2 months longest period! our my fish over protected and need more Room ?

Answer
Hi Adam,

It may not be a size issue, or aggressiveness, but it's probably because you didn't provide enough food. You must feed Plecostomus a separate food, such as algae wafers with a supplement of occasional fresh veggies such as zucchini.

If you did not feed any food meant for him specifically (in other words, you thought he would live off algae), then it's not a surprise he died.

For next time, try feeding algae wafer(s) every day, and also feed a veggie or two twice a week. Don't remove the veggies right away - it may take up to 24 hours for the Plecostomus to recognize it.

This will put him/her in optimal health.

Also, don't forget to do those weekly water changes!

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!