Need ideas on loach tank, pics and decor ideas needed!!

[Zeppelin3k]

I am in the works of clearing out my 200 gallon for a loach theme tank. I was wondering if anyone here had a big loach tank and a few pics if possible.

Right now I have 3 big peices of driftwood(not sure if i am going to use it), a bunch of slate rocks, and some plants i plan on putting in there. My loach list is growing, I already know I have to get my hands on a few chain loachs. well anyway.....


Looking for decor ideas.

I will post pics when I eventually get everything put together

Thanks for looking!

 

[Datnoid101]

Pvc condos work well. 3 or 4" diameter pvc cut and siliconed together.

 

[Zeppelin3k]

I know what you mean datnoid. I have seen your tanks but.... I want a more natural look to the tank, pvc looks a bit tacky for me. Also, about 4-5 months ago, my fire eel and a 4.5" loach wedged them selves in a 1.5" PVC pipe killing them both, so I havnt used pvc sence then

 

[Datnoid101]

I'd then go with lots of driftwood or rounded stones stacked on each other. Clown loaches also look good with low light plants as their orange color has a nice contrast with the green.

 

[Zeppelin3k]

What type of plants? I have tryed real plants before and all have died. I have some great rock to put in the tank that i planned on making caves out of.

 

[Muske]

Plants are hit and miss w/Clowns. The broadleaves like swords will probally get eaten or chewed. I have anubias w/o any holes in the leaves,yet. They seem to stay away from my Java Fern as well.

 

[Zeppelin3k]

What type of lighting would be needed to do something like this? Also, would my algae growth be alot more with plants in the tank? Any good ideas on an algae eater? I have a CAE right now but was thinking of putting about 6 or so ottos in there instead

 

[nosegoblin]

Any good ideas on an algae eater? I have a CAE right now but was thinking of putting about 6 or so ottos in there instead

I know it is easier to say than do but wouldn't it be a little bit wiser to try to get your tank conditions in better balance so that there would not be any algae instead of just getting a fish that eats it? You know, treat the disease, not the symptoms. I believe your fishes would appreciate this as well because a planted tank that thrives is usually pretty stable in water conditions.

Also, would my algae growth be alot more with plants in the tank?

The algae issue is basicly very easy to understand. The algae growth in a planted tank is always a matter of some important nutrient etc missing or having it too much. A balanced tank has just about enough everything for the plants to use and therefore nothing is left for the algae. In an unbalanced tank the algae starts to bloom because the plants can't use all of the nutrients, lighting, CO2, etc available in the tank. Plants needs to have all of those at the right level and all excessive ones will go to the algae.

So, to answer to your question: No, your algae growth will not be bigger if you add a lot plants to your tank given that you will also take care of the needs of the plants and not just he fishes.

Some steps to guide on your way to a planted tank:
- Get a decent lighting with right kind of lamp
- Get a timer to set the lighting period enough long but not too long
- Use some fertilizer on the bottom of the tank to give the plants some chance of growing. They need to "eat" as well
- Use some liquid fertilizer as well if you plan to have plants that take the nutrients straigth from the water and not from the bottom
- Keep the water conditions stable by having a good biological filtration and doing the water changes regularly
- Select the right kind of plants for the right kind of tank
- Start with some easy and fast growing plants to first get the tank in balance and to get hold of the algae problem and then perhaps start adding some more demanding plants
- Think about adding CO2 system with a pH meter to your tank to keep the pH constantly at the right level and to have enough CO2 for the plants as well
- Use "liquid CO2" (I don't know if this is the correct english term) to also help the plants to get what they need. This is said to have solve some algae issues as to my understanding the algae can not use the carbon in this form while to plants can.

Hope this helps you a bit at least.

 

[Zeppelin3k]

I know it is easier to say than do but wouldn't it be a little bit wiser to try to get your tank conditions in better balance so that there would not be any algae instead of just getting a fish that eats it? You know, treat the disease, not the symptoms. I believe your fishes would appreciate this as well because a planted tank that thrives is usually pretty stable in water conditions.



The algae issue is basicly very easy to understand. The algae growth in a planted tank is always a matter of some important nutrient etc missing or having it too much. A balanced tank has just about enough everything for the plants to use and therefore nothing is left for the algae. In an unbalanced tank the algae starts to bloom because the plants can't use all of the nutrients, lighting, CO2, etc available in the tank. Plants needs to have all of those at the right level and all excessive ones will go to the algae.

So, to answer to your question: No, your algae growth will not be bigger if you add a lot plants to your tank given that you will also take care of the needs of the plants and not just he fishes.

Some steps to guide on your way to a planted tank:
- Get a decent lighting with right kind of lamp
- Get a timer to set the lighting period enough long but not too long
- Use some fertilizer on the bottom of the tank to give the plants some chance of growing. They need to "eat" as well
- Use some liquid fertilizer as well if you plan to have plants that take the nutrients straigth from the water and not from the bottom
- Keep the water conditions stable by having a good biological filtration and doing the water changes regularly
- Select the right kind of plants for the right kind of tank
- Start with some easy and fast growing plants to first get the tank in balance and to get hold of the algae problem and then perhaps start adding some more demanding plants
- Think about adding CO2 system with a pH meter to your tank to keep the pH constantly at the right level and to have enough CO2 for the plants as well
- Use "liquid CO2" (I don't know if this is the correct english term) to also help the plants to get what they need. This is said to have solve some algae issues as to my understanding the algae can not use the carbon in this form while to plants can.

Hope this helps you a bit at least.

WOW! Did you take that out of a book? HAHA, very well writen and lots of great info. After reading that, I don't think that I will have time for plants, I already am to busy between school, full time job, and a Girlfriend. Eventually I will have time and a smaller tank to try plants out on. Plus more funds for plants, lighting and a CO2 system. Right now it just doesn't seem to pratical for me but THANKS FOR THE INFO!!! Very helpfull

Have a great day!
Zach

 

[ewurm]

I like to use a bunch of driftwood, and I'll never use anything but sand again. Caribsea's Torpedo Beach is great for loaches. Haven't had any luck keeping them with plants, the broadleaved variety get chewed up.