Question before kuhlis

[Daniacat]

This is the top of my 20 gallon. If I replace the hob filter with another sponge filter will it suitable for kuhli loaches or will they be able to escape. I don’t use the plastic piece because you need to cut it and I’m a klutz.
Lost my peppered catfish and want another bottom feeder.
Thank you

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

Others may report otherwise, but my experience is that they will not jump out of even open-topped tanks, even when they are full-on kuhli dancing up and down the sides. I've had them in tanks with both hang-on-back and sponge filters where this was the case.

So, based on what I've seen (although it was with black kuhlis and not striped), you will most likely be fine no matter what type of filter you use. Sorry to hear you lost a previous bottom feeder.

 

[Daniacat]

Thank you. I’ll still switch over mostly because the water from the filter is collecting on the lid a bit. I do still see 4 catfish so maybe they are just hiding but I still love the kuhli’s.

 

[Daniacat]

And now wondering just how important the water PH is. For me it’s a 6 but I don’t know the hardness. Could that be affecting the peppered catfish?

 

[Fishman Dave]

As long as they are acclimatised if introduced from higher ph, 6 should not be a real concern for Cory or Khuli loach.
If switching off the filter but leaving it hanging and are concerned about fish escaping out of the gaps, put some filter wool/ floss in the gap, or if you have none a clean dishcloth or even a screwed up carrier bag work just to block the hole. That said, the hole may be too big for that, I sometimes use the “spare” polystyrene that seems to come nowadays on every delivery I get.
Neither Khuli or Cory are real escape artists on tanks with a lip generally but if some gap filler can be found it is peace of mind.

 

[Daniacat]

Thank you.

 

[deeda]

Another option if you want to cover any open spots is to use Darice Plastic Canvas Mesh which can be found in most craft stores. Easy to cut with scissors, comes in a few different hole sizes and colors.

 

[Daniacat]

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

Congratulations on getting your kuhli loaches!

 

[Daniacat]

Thanks. They are goofs.