The plecostomus – or simply the pleco fish – is an aquatic fish that’s native to the rivers of the Amazon jungle. These bottom-feeders are popular among beginner aquarists because of their simple care and their tendency to eat anything and everything. Growing up to 12 inches long depending on the specific species you have, caring for a pleco can be a very rewarding experience as you observe their growth and development without having to be an expert at your hobby.
Of course, the pleco won’t simply thrive in any habitat. Although it is easy to care for because of its carefree diet, the pleco still needs unique environmental factors to be met in order to live a long healthy life. That all starts with your choice of substrate. Check out our choices for the best substrate for pleco fish pets and find out what will work best for you and your new fish.
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ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia
Plecos like attaching to rocks and other hard surfaces, which is why your substrate should make it easy for your fish to pick out the ideal place to hang out. The ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia substrate (Click here to check for product prices and availability) settles to the bottom of your tank like sand. This allows rocks and other decorative items in your tank to become easier to latch on to. The soil-like material also helps optimize water conditions to keep your pleco in prime health and wellness.
On the topic of maintenance, it pays to know that pleco fish can be really good at keeping their own environment clean. That, plus the fact that the material resists debris from sinking to the very bottom, then you might not have to perform a complete replacement of the substrate for the foreseeable future. Simply replacing the water gradually over the course of a few months can help keep your tank in peak condition for your pleco.
Plecos enjoy dwelling in areas with lots of plants because of their unique diet. It also helps them to feel more secure to settle among aquatic greenery, so it helps to add some plants to your pleco’s containment. That’s why the ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia makes a great choice for this specific fish. The material fosters the growth of plants, making it easier for them to develop strong root systems through its ideal density.
Aside from all of that, the substrate also comes at a reasonable price. Without being too heavy on the budget, you may be able to purchase this substrate and maintain the same bedding in your tank for extended use without the need for a replacement.
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Lapis Gravel
The bright blue colors of lapiz gravel provide the ideal contrast against the darker earth colors of your pleco. Together, these colorways can produce a vibrant display, making for a relaxing view every time you decide to sit down and spend time with your aquatic pet.
Another promising benefit of Lapis Gravle is that it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients. Made from 100% natural, real, mined lapis lazuli, this material won’t have an effect on the quality of your water. Thus allowing aquatic plants and your fish to survive and thrive without a hitch.
In terms of maintenance, lapis lazuli gravel can actually be reused. This material requires nothing more than a hot water soak to remove debris and other dirt, allowing you to restore the cleanliness of your tank without having to completely replace the substrate you’re using.
What’s nice about lapis gravel is that it makes it easier for your pleco to pick out food items from the substrate itself. The bright blue colors add contrast to substances on the surface of the bedding, allowing your pleco to single out items that he can actually eat. Placing the occasional drift wood stick on the substrate can help provide a pleco the ideal environment, especially if your particular variety of pleco is the one that eats drift wood.
Of course, price is always a concern for most hobbyists. You’ll be happy to know that this particular substrate doesn’t cost a lot, and is actually really easy on the pocket. Considering the fact that you can clean it up and prevent the need for a total replacement, you can definitely get your money’s worth out of this substrate with no more than a single purchase. You can also opt to mix it in with other substrates as a decorative addition and to increase the variety of textures and terrain that’s available to your pet.
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Wrapping It Up
The pleco can be a rewarding pet to care for. Growing up to 12 inches in length, this specific fish can make it easier for first time aquarists to see the result of their care and to enjoy the process of fish rearing. Of course, you will have to invest a little when you care for any kind of pet. With your pleco, that will often come in the form of your substrate choice. Be sure to buy the best substrate for pleco fish by checking out our recommendations so you can keep your fish happy and healthy for the foreseeable future.
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