[cyclesnipas]

I have a 45 gal community tank and its been suggested by others on this wonderful site that live plants are great for controlling Nitrates. Iv toyed with the idea of going live over artificial but I have 1 main concern. I have a 6-7" Royal Pleco that im worried will turn any live plants into lunch. Are my concerns warranted?

 

[Boredomb]

I have no experience with Plecos as I have never had them but can say ppl do have them in planted tanks. If you supplement him with some blanch vegetables it "should" be fine. I have read where ppl use blanched zucchini and cucumbers for them.

 

[BWG]

I've heard of royal plecos eating holes in broad leaf plants. I imagine stem plants wouldn't fare very well with a pleco, especially ones known to redecorate when it suits them. If you were going to try any live plants you might want to try floaters.

Honestly if you're having nitrate problems, a wood eating pleco that size might be part of the problem. Those guys produce a ton of waste. Not sure if you're aware, but 6-7" is roughly only half grown. Normally royals are suggested for tanks 125 gallons or bigger.

 

[cyclesnipas]

Thats exactly what i was referring to. I know Royals especially are vegetarian over anything so id rather avoid opening up a salad bar. Its funny you mention the redecorating cuz thats exactly what he does! I used to have 2 and when they would go at it id have floating fake plants everywhere! Im def aware of the size hes capable of reaching Iv had him for close to 7 years now if not longer and will be getting a larger tank to accommodate.