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What Plants Survive with Plecos?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 7:10 pm
by dramion
I've got a bristlenose pleco in my 30 gallon and it's been tearing up my plants. What's gonna survive this dude's munching? My Anubias are holding up, but the Java Fern looks sketchy.
Re: What Plants Survive with Plecos?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 7:39 pm
by whipstar
Plecos can be rough on plants, especially if they're not getting enough fiber. Try adding driftwood if you haven't already. They need it for digestion. As for plants, Anubias and Java Fern are good choices since they're tough. You might also try Amazon Swords, but they'll need root tabs.
Re: What Plants Survive with Plecos?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 8:04 pm
by kayson
Agreed on the Anubias and Java Fern. They're epiphytes, so they don't need to be buried, which helps. I've had success with Bolbitis too. Just make sure your lighting isn't too intense, or you'll get algae competing with the plants.
Re: What Plants Survive with Plecos?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 8:18 pm
by hydroflow
Yo, my pleco straight up ignores my Hornwort. That stuff grows like crazy anyway, so even if it gets nibbled, it bounces back. Also, floating plants like Frogbit might work since they're out of reach.
Re: What Plants Survive with Plecos?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 9:27 pm
by dramion
whipstar wrote: ↑Mon Jul 21, 2025 7:39 pm
Plecos can be rough on plants, especially if they're not getting enough fiber. Try adding driftwood if you haven't already. They need it for digestion. As for plants, Anubias and Java Fern are good choices since they're tough. You might also try Amazon Swords, but they'll need root tabs.
Thanks for the tip on driftwood. I'll grab some this weekend.
Re: What Plants Survive with Plecos?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 10:18 pm
by whipstar
No problem. Just make sure it's aquarium-safe. Boiling it first can help remove tannins if you don't want your water turning brown. Also, keep an eye on your pH if you're using tap water, as driftwood can lower it slightly.
Re: What Plants Survive with Plecos?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 11:46 pm
by kayson
hydroflow wrote: ↑Mon Jul 21, 2025 8:18 pm
Yo, my pleco straight up ignores my Hornwort. That stuff grows like crazy anyway, so even if it gets nibbled, it bounces back. Also, floating plants like Frogbit might work since they're out of reach.
Hornwort's a good call. It's low-maintenance and grows fast, so it can handle some abuse. Just watch out for shedding needles if your water's too warm.
Re: What Plants Survive with Plecos?
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 12:10 am
by hydroflow
Yeah, my tank's at 78°F and the Hornwort's chill. My pleco's more into the algae wafers anyway. Maybe yours just needs more snacks?
Re: What Plants Survive with Plecos?
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 12:33 am
by whipstar
If your pleco's still going after plants, try blanched zucchini or cucumber. It's a good distraction and gives them the fiber they need. Just remove it after 24 hours so it doesn't foul the water.
Re: What Plants Survive with Plecos?
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2025 1:59 am
by kayson
Another thing to consider is tank size. A 30 gallon is fine for a bristlenose, but if it's cramped, they might stress and nibble more. How's your filtration? High flow can sometimes make them more active.