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	Do bristlenoses definitely need wood?
DoctorJ Big Fish Posts: 344 Kudos: 1159 Votes: 191 Registered: 13-May-2003	I want to get a bristlenose, but I want to plan ahead a bit. I've seen conflicting information on whether BNs need wood in their diet or not. I know they LIKE wood and will definitely ingest it. But some people say they need it; others say it's not absolutely necessary. What's been your experience. The reason I want to know ahead of time is that I'd like to prepare wood by soaking it first, and would rather have it in place before the arrival of the bristlenose.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
Crazygar Mega Fish "Wheel of Mortality..turn turn turn..." Posts: 1230 Kudos: 1087 Votes: 1 Registered: 30-Jun-2003	It would be a good idea to have some sort of wood in the tank. The cellulose in the wood helps them digest the food and supplements their diets. My Clown Pecklotias have rasped 1 huge piece almost smooth. Even Otocinclus enjoy it. Gary
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
sirbooks Moderator Sociopath Posts: 3875 Kudos: 5164 Votes: 932 Registered: 26-Jul-2004	I know that bristlenose cats definitely appreciate wood, and they love to rasp away at it, but it isn't necessary for them to survive. And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
openwater Fish Addict Posts: 565 Kudos: 551 Votes: 0 Registered: 24-Jul-2004	You don't need to stick a huge piece. If you want just add a piece of proper size in the back some where out of sight if you aren't going for the wood look.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
Cup_of_Lifenoodles Fish Guru Posts: 2755 Kudos: 1957 Votes: 30 Registered: 09-Sep-2004	Wood is not needed for digestion, but it would be a nice supplement to their diet. While not a neccesity, it is recommended. Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 26-Sep-2004 02:09
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
TigerAngel Fish Addict Posts: 522 Registered: 22-Feb-2004	By BN every so often will be seen sucking on the wooded log I have in my tank. I surpose if he didn't like it, he wouldn't be chewing on it.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
tessa38uk Big Fish Posts: 466 Kudos: 586 Votes: 121 Registered: 11-Mar-2004	In my experience the pleco's are much happier with wood rather than without it. When I first started out I had a clown pleco in a tank with no wood or rocks just resin ordainments I never saw him but now I have tank full of wood and rocks and all my pleco's seem a lot happier I see a lot more of them now than before. http://www.greenspersonalprinting.com/
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
DoctorJ Big Fish Posts: 344 Kudos: 1159 Votes: 191 Registered: 13-May-2003	Thanks, everyone. I think I'll get a piece of wood. The LFS around here charges unbelievable prices for aquarium safe wood. But if it makes the fish happier and healthier, it's worth it.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
jasonpisani Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 5553 Kudos: 7215 Votes: 1024 Registered: 24-Feb-2003	Yes, it's better to have some wood for the BN. They like to munch on it & mine never leaves it. :88) http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/ Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970. http://www.maltaaquarist.com
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
~jamie~ Big Fish Posts: 463 Kudos: 671 Votes: 65 Registered: 08-May-2004	I have two that are always on the driftwood and one I never see on the driftwood...but then again...I don't see him at all during the day either..... It is good for them no doubt, IMO if you have BN's, you should have some driftwood too. If for no other reason than the dietary benefits. Good luck! Last edited by Phone'sMate at 26-Sep-2004 16:23
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	I have read here several times for various reasons they must eat wood. All I can say is mine seem to love going over the wood and will often stay at one location for a minute or two, then move to another location on the wood. Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06
Cup_of_Lifenoodles Fish Guru Posts: 2755 Kudos: 1957 Votes: 30 Registered: 09-Sep-2004	Not true. My old starry BN lasted about 8 years without wood, and did fine---in fact, he's still 'a chuggin to this day, only now he's in a lightly planted twently gal with plenty of wood to spare. Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 27-Sep-2004 10:34
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:06


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