Hillstream Loaches

[303mfk]

Hey guys I was looking for some advice on keeping hillstream loaches. I was looking to create a stream/river tank. And im up for a challenge and thought these guys would be cool. What would be minium tank size for say 2-3. Once I get it all together I plan on leaving the tank empty with bright lights to get some good algae growth before I add them. Well anyways let me know what you think thanks

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[Yoimbrian]

Dude they are tiny, tank size is not an issue. They are less than 2" long and super super thin (to be aerodynamic). You could have a few in a 1 gallon they'd be fine, they are basically zero bio load and don't move much, mostly just hang out on the wall or under a piece of wood.


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[Aw3s0m3]

Just make sure to have strong flow by using powerheads and they like the water on the cooler side. Also you should cover the floor with river stones. If you provide those basics, you will see a lot more movement from them. They'll jump from stone to stone to wall to stone instead of the usual just layin around. Oh and keep the water well aerated.


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[303mfk]

Dude they are tiny, tank size is not an issue. They are less than 2" long and super super thin (to be aerodynamic). You could have a few in a 1 gallon they'd be fine, they are basically zero bio load and don't move much, mostly just hang out on the wall or under a piece of wood.


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Okay lol just checking cause I've read it's harder to make a nice flow in smaller tanks

Just make sure to have strong flow by using powerheads and they like the water on the cooler side. Also you should cover the floor with river stones. If you provide those basics, you will see a lot more movement from them. They'll jump from stone to stone to wall to stone instead of the usual just layin around. Oh and keep the water well aerated.


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Alright sweet. I'm saw some at a local petco and would love to rescue some. I have a seeded filter the last couple days will throw some pics up

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[Aw3s0m3]

Alright sweet. I'm saw some at a local petco and would love to rescue some. I have a seeded filter the last couple days will throw some pics up

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I'd leave the filter where it is right now and let it seed for at least a week so that it accumulates enough BB.

How many do you plan on getting? I've been debating on getting a large group of them to put with my goonches since they like the same environments but I need them to put on a lot more size. I'm hoping that the loaches would fall into the "they're too small so I'm not even gonna bother" category but that's a longs ways away.




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[303mfk]

I'd leave the filter where it is right now and let it seed for at least a week so that it accumulates enough BB.

How many do you plan on getting? I've been debating on getting a large group of them to put with my goonches since they like the same environments but I need them to put on a lot more size. I'm hoping that the loaches would fall into the "they're too small so I'm not even gonna bother" category but that's a longs ways away.




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Alrighty. Still gotta pick up a powerhead so I'm not rushing to much. And probably 3-4

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[303mfk]

Any good suggestions on bulbs? I want something strong enough to keep a constant algae supply with having to set up a tub outside. Got a few more weeks of winter here in CO and can't trust the weather

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[Aw3s0m3]

Any good suggestions on bulbs? I want something strong enough to keep a constant algae supply with having to set up a tub outside. Got a few more weeks of winter here in CO and can't trust the weather

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You can pretty much use any bulbs. It takes time for the algae to cover everything but you can always just feed them algae wafers while the algae grows in. You should also feed them other foods such as worms and brine shrimp but they will also feed on the copepods that live in the algae and in the nooks and crannies of the rocks.


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[303mfk]

You can pretty much use any bulbs. It takes time for the algae to cover everything but you can always just feed them algae wafers while the algae grows in. You should also feed them other foods such as worms and brine shrimp but they will also feed on the copepods that live in the algae and in the nooks and crannies of the rocks.


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Right on thanks.

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[303mfk]

Well purchased a 30 gallon filter with spray bar facing towards surface. 40-60 gallon rated powerhead near bottom blowing across tank through a bubble pad. Tank is 15 gallon. Might add another small powerhead what do you think

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