I wish you the best with your project. The Festae look great! I have a group of CLs with my growouts too. My biggest loach is about 3.5". I never thought about them eating the eggs of any future spawns. That's something that I will have to consider down the line. My growouts are still under 2.5" so it's of no concern now. My largest Festae runs the tank of growouts which also includes a Jag and an Escondido. The CLs add a lot of activity but they quickly get out of the dominant Festae's way when he has had enough. I'll be sure to check this thread for updates, Jason.