Wood for Plecos

Chris Perth

New Member
Nov 5, 2016
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Perth WA
As we all know wood of some type appears to be a pre-requisite of keeping/breeding plecs, especially those of the Panaque and panaqolus species. Here in Oz the majority of our woods are classed as hardwoods, and I was wondering if they were easily digestible by the above, or was there any preference for a softer type of wood? (oh and I am not talking about pine)
I had the thought of using weighed down Balsa wood - has any one had any experience with this and what were the pros and cons?
 

Pete

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May 19, 2009
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North wales
Hi I'm not sure about balsa wood but I'm the UK we get two types of imported bogwood for aquarium use mopani which is a very hard wood which isn't really eaten by my panaques and a softer dark wood which our guys love and shred it to bits can you find an eBay seller that will send to Australia
 

dw1305

Global Moderators
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May 5, 2009
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Wiltshire nr. Bath, UK
Hi all,
.......I had the thought of using weighed down Balsa wood - has any one had any experience with this and what were the pros and cons?
There isn't a lot of nutritional value in wood, it is likely that most of the food value is in the associated fungi etc as the wood starts to decay (some fungi can <"digest lignin">, and wood is lignified).

Have a look at <"this thread">, and this more recent one on <"Planet Catfish">.

Apple wood is good, if that is an option?

This was <"posted"> by our departed friend "bigbird", a fine man and an Australian.
I walk the beaches get driftwood that has been bleached by the sea r go for a walk through the Australian bush and get termite infested logs or branches. ( find that these the Ls love as it is a softer wood). I have a large 150liter drum outside with water conditioner. I wash these pieces then place in this drum outside for 14days or so and every now and then add new treated water.
cheers Darrel