Botia Striata & Powerhead

[kjr928]

I have 8 small botia striata & 3 botia sidthimunki in a 90g. I have read that they benefit from a current.

I want to buy a powerhead for them but I have no idea what gph to get.
Someone advise please? Thanks!

[fishorama]

I use a AC 50 (I think or 70) & MaxiJet 1200 & 400gph in my loach tanks,2 55g & 75g.

A BIG warning I had a small histrionica loach that lived INSIDE a powerhead, he swam into the outlet side. Even though I knew he did that & decided to remove it, he stayed in there when I took it out. I couldn't see him & thought he must have come out but NO, he fell into the sink & down the garbage disposal. I was able to rescue him but he & eventually the rest of the histies died from a bacterial infection.

Now with my replacement histies I put plastic mesh over the outlets to prevent it happening again. I used the plastic mesh from an onion bag, not great looking but safe. I use the strainers or a Quick Filter on the intakes.

[kjr928]

Well that's a crappy story, but thanks for the heads up.

So would you recommend 400gph for these fish? I will look into the Aquaclear 70. Thanks for your help.

[fishorama]

For the price difference these days I'd go with a Maxijet but maybe less than a 1200 (oops it's only 295gph) My zebs & sids aren't quite as into flow as some on the bigger loaches. Right now I just use the spraybar on a XP3 & a AC 70 filter return on their tank but sometimes use the AC powerhead too.

Here's link to compare http://fish-supplies.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/search?af=type%3Aproduct&view=grid&w=powerheads&visitorID=&cartcount=0&wishcount=0&subtotal=0.00

[Jeremy Smith]

I agree with Fishorama, sids and striata are not as happy with extreme flows. But they do apreciate more flow than what would be the ussual standard for most tropical fish.

[kjr928]

Are you agreeing that 400gph is a good amount for a 90g?

Also, I was planning on putting it towards the bottom of the tank (since they are bottomdwellers). Is that right?

[Jeremy Smith]

That flow rate should be apreciated by them.

I would put the power head in the middle of the water column, that way they can easily rest on the bottom under the current if they wish. (that is just my opion) Allthough they are to be considerd bottom dwellars in most cases they will swim anywhere and every where. As you have most likely observed already.

[fishorama]

You may want change the position just play with it to see what your loaches like. 400gph sounds fine in a 90g