Hillstream loach tank questions

[sora1600]

So my plan is to get the loaches next month and quarantine them, which will most likely take me 2+ months to add them into the main tank. Probably get them at the end of October to make my tank more established. I was thinking about getting 6 or 9 loaches since I'm paranoid I might overstock the tank. Almost done with selling my breeding stock and eggs so will only have the loach display tank and a very long break from breeding anything:).

Anyways some questions:
How much hillstream loaches can I put in the tank (20 gallon long)? I'm planning on getting only the loaches that grow to 2 inches. I like being a little understock in my tanks.
What plants can I add? Plants I have right now: moss, ferns, crypts, vals, anubias, and anacharis (I know it sucks up nutrients that algae need to grow). I plan to take out the anacharis and moss since the filter and powerhead pushes it everywhere. I know fast current flow is not ideal for plants but would love to add plants even though the plants are not found in their natural habitat.
What's the ideal temperature for them? I have my heater set to 68F right now but might bump it to 70F. A lot of forums I've read have upper 70s to 80s. I think that's a little too hot for them.
Is 2 powerheads too much for the tank? One is a 158 GPH powerhead. Also, this tank will only contain the loaches, no other fish.

[petluvr]

All those plants will work, your right floaters will get pushed around quite a bit. They are a temperate fish but there are people here who are keeping and breeding them in the 80's if I am not wrong. In my tank I used two koralia nanos and a AC30 or 50 can't remember and it did fine, not for sure about your ph's though.

[fishorama]

From all I've read it's more oxygen level than temp but I've yet to try hillies. Some will eat bloodworms others algae only. A 20g long is about the minimum & sand may cause trouble in such a small footprint. Have you checked out loaches.com, my go to loach site, can't go wrong there!

[sora1600]

Yea, I've researched about them breeding in high temperatures using sponge filters but I'm not looking to breed any of the loaches. Just want a display tank of them:). Sewellia are ok in that temperature, from what I've researched, but I plan to mix them with gastromyzon, which I think needs a lower temperature and more current. I was planning on getting either the Koralias or AC powerheads but the 158 was a gift so I have to keep that one.

[sora1600]

From all I've read it's more oxygen level than temp but I've yet to try hillies. Some will eat bloodworms others algae only. A 20g long is about the minimum & sand may cause trouble in such a small footprint. Have you checked out loaches.com, my go to loach site, can't go wrong there!

Yep. Checked out a lot of websites. That was one of the main ones.

[fishorama]

Be careful with powerheads etc, some loaches will be determined to get into the flow, I lost all my first histrionicas to overcurious noses in the output & they aren't hillies! I used plastic onion or fruit bags to restrict their access after a very bad experience.

[sora1600]

Be careful with powerheads etc, some loaches will be determined to get into the flow, I lost all my first histrionicas to overcurious noses in the output & they aren't hillies! I used plastic onion or fruit bags to restrict their access after a very bad experience.

Thanks for telling me! Will look for something to cover that.

[sora1600]

So Frank told me he didn't get in the gastromyzon:( I have to wait to see if he gets it next week. More time for me to make their home the best it can be. I think I will get another 158 or a AC powerhead next paycheck then I'll be set and wait for the loaches. Thank goodness I have two importers who can try to get me the loaches:)

[mduncan2]

my recommendation would be to get a heap of rocks in the bottom of the tank, and a lot of VERY powerful lights on top of the tank. The fish might not always eat what you give them, so having a large amount of natural aglae growing on the rocks will increase the chances of them surviving and adapting to their new environment and food sources.

In terms of feeding them, I generally use a pepper grinder on a super fine setting and grind half a hikari canivourous sinking wafer, half a algae wafer, some sea weed (human consumption) and a pinch of some other random food. I grind it into a small container, then add some water, mix it up, and tip it into the least turbulent area of my tank. This gives the mixture the best chance of sinking onto the rocks without getting sucked into the filter. I also grow green water in bottles on a window sill. I pour a cup of this green water in every week to increase the amount of algae that might grow on the rocks.

This is for my sewellia. I used to have 20+ gastromyzon and sewellia in that tank but I believe a Dragonfly newt got into the water and killed the majority of them off. (I found the newt when I started pulling out all the rocks to work out why I had lost 10 fish in one week).

Matt

[sora1600]

Thanks! I'm trying to grow some algae on rocks outside but it is slow. The light method has never worked for me. I tried with so many lights and overnight that I just quit. I plant to feed them some food sample from another member on here, algae wafers, shrimp wafers, veggies, etc. Hmm do they like seaweed? Will probably try that to see if they like it too. I tried green water also but it starts disappearing after showing up for a few days. How strong was the current/oxygen level in your tank? I have a AC 30 filter and a 158 GPH powerhead and I think it is not enough. I may be wrong though.

[fishorama]

There's always kale or the "magic ingredient" to help grow algae in sunshine (people pee). I'm not quite at that level of devotion, lol.

[sora1600]

Haha, I would be too gross out.:)
I have the rocks outside in a tub, added ferts, and fish food. Kind of growing but just too slow for me. I guess I'm just impatient but when I don't want algae, it grows everywhere.

[platytudes]

Let me know if you'd like to trade that AquaClear 30 for an AquaClear 70...if you would pay for both shipping costs, I'd be happy to trade with you :) I need a new filter for my 20 long, and I have more big filters than small right now.

The only thing is, it has a smudge of clear epoxy from a hairline stress crack that resulted from the plastic piece that goes over the impeller being molded just a tad too big. The same thing happened to both of my AC 70s, I think it's a manufacturing issue they ran into for a while. The first one is 6 months old and runs like new, I've had this one running for 2 months with the same performance.

I'm also about to put up for sale a Penguin 1140/foam sponge combo, I'll have the ad up by tomorrow if you're interested.

[sora1600]

Let me know if you'd like to trade that AquaClear 30 for an AquaClear 70...if you would pay for both shipping costs, I'd be happy to trade with you :) I need a new filter for my 20 long, and I have more big filters than small right now.

The only thing is, it has a smudge of clear epoxy from a hairline stress crack that resulted from the plastic piece that goes over the impeller being molded just a tad too big. The same thing happened to both of my AC 70s, I think it's a manufacturing issue they ran into for a while. The first one is 6 months old and runs like new, I've had this one running for 2 months with the same performance.

I'm also about to put up for sale a Penguin 1140/foam sponge combo, I'll have the ad up by tomorrow if you're interested.

Thanks for the offer but I love my AC 30. It's perfect for my smaller tanks, which I have a ton of.:)

[platytudes]

Me too...honestly, as much as I love the big ones, the little ones are probably my favorite :)

[sora1600]

Me too...honestly, as much as I love the big ones, the little ones are probably my favorite :)

Yep. They're easy to move around and control the flow.

I am either ordering the sewellia or gast. this coming up week. I think I am going to stick to which ever one he has in stock (he has the sewellia in stock right now but I really want the gast. which may or may not come in on Sunday). I'll quarantine and wait probably next year to buy the other group.
And thanks, happypoet for the sample. I do not like the smell:yuck: but I guess I can deal with it since the loaches will most likely eat it.:)

[platytudes]

Hmm, what does it smell like? :p: Oh, and I meant the small tanks vs. my large (well, 55) ones ;) I've actually never had a small AquaClear before.

Can't wait for pics in the future!

[sora1600]

Hmm, what does it smell like? :p: Oh, and I meant the small tanks vs. my large (well, 55) ones ;) I've actually never had a small AquaClear before.

Can't wait for pics in the future!

Haha, I forgot. I'll smell it later and see what it smells like. Oo aha yea I have only small tanks (right now I have a 20 and 2 10 up). Never been a fan of bigger tanks since I do not like aggressive fishes. Yea my mom was telling me why I rarely use the dslr she got me for college but I do not have time at all with working weekends and going to class all weekdays, afternoon to 10pm. I will get photos of them before going into their qt tank.

[sora1600]

Ok, just ordered my sewellias:) since the gast. did not come in. Hopefully, it gets here on a day I don't have class since I want to get photos before putting them in qt.

[fishorama]

Sewellias are so cute! They're on my short list of fish to try. How many will you be getting?

[sora1600]

I ordered 3 as I want to quarantine them for at least a month and monitor them better. I was going to order some gast. with them but frank did not have any in stock so I just got the sewellias. I'll probably wait until the sewellia are in the main tank and order more. Plus it's a 20 gallon long so I want there to be enough room for all the loaches. My stock will most likely be: 6 gast. and 3 or 4 sewellias. I know what you mean. Sewellias have been on my list but I never had the tank for them. Now I do as I'm not breeding fishes anymore.

[fishorama]

I've read sewllia are fairly easy to breed so maybe you'll be breeding fish, even accidentally, soon.

[sora1600]

I've read sewllia are fairly easy to breed so maybe you'll be breeding fish, even accidentally, soon.

Yes, that is true but hopefully not too much breeding. :) I'll probably end up leaving the fry in the tank with the parents.

[sora1600]

Loaches will be here on Thursday. Eek, I have class at 1 until 6pm so I guess I have to tell my brother to put them in the qt. Sorry, there will be no photos after all. I will try to get them later on.

[sora1600]

Filter or powerhead for a qt tank? The qt (10g) will only have the sewellia. The qt will be in my room so I was thinking a AC filter as it's quieter than the powerhead but not sure how much of a current the loaches need. Wish the loaches would be in tomorrow, on my day off, but nope, Thursday is when they get here. Also have to check and count killi eggs tomorrow. Squinting is not good for my eyes. Buyer needs to pick up the group so I don't have to count anymore eggs! I do have a ton of eggs to get rid of though...

[sora1600]

My loaches came in today. Overnight for once. hahaha...photos in awhile...

[sora1600]

Ok here are some photos. Didn't really take any. Putting them in qt right now and having a hard time catching them.
That's how small they are, compare to a 52mm filter.
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0468-1.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_04672.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_04662.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_04642.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtEjdVa9OQs

WOW. They are getting dark after a few minutes in the tank:). They must be loving it.

[fishorama]

Aww cute!

[sora1600]

Aww cute!

Thanks!

These little buggers are doing nicely. Didn't loose any overnight. Eating the muzari food. Two of them keep 'fighting' so I'm going to keep a close look at them. They're so much darker than the photos I took yesterday. Woot! Wild loaches. Can't wait to get the gast. in December.

[allaboutfish]

awesome!

[sora1600]

Bugger. The big one keeps attacking one of the darker colored ones. It would just stay there and let the big one beat it up. So much hiding spots but always fighting. I might just move them into the tank so they have more room, compare to the 10. There's nothing in the 20 so if they do have something, no stock will die.
I think they crawl/swim up to the top of the tank and bump it. I keep hearing soft little thumps when I'm asleep like something is hitting the cover of the tank. Hopefully they don't crawl out and escape during the night and dry up. Only opening on cover is where the filter is.

[fishorama]

Some of the aggression will hopefully lessen once they establish a pecking order. If you don't want to move them, you can try letting them sort it out. They're going to have to sooner or later, little tiny brats! I don't think they'll actually hurt each other...Good luck!

[sora1600]

Some of the aggression will hopefully lessen once they establish a pecking order. If you don't want to move them, you can try letting them sort it out. They're going to have to sooner or later, little tiny brats! I don't think they'll actually hurt each other...Good luck!

Yea there's one that ignores those two. He/she is off doing their own thing while those two are fighting/chasing each other. I just don't want them to come home one day and find one dead. I'll see how it goes and if it continues, I may move one of them or all 3 to a bigger tank.

[vanillarum]

Congrats on your sewellias. I have had mine for about 3 or 4 years now. Started with 10 (they are in a 46BF)and must have close to 40+ now. They breed quite frequently, and I am sure I lose some to the other bottom dwellers in the tank (corys, red ancistrus, L104s, L340s, sids. Plus there are bolivian rams in the tank. Otherwise I think I would be overrun with them. I have 2 AC 70s on the tank, and quite often find some fry in the filters when I go to clean them. I do not use any other flow in that tank, and my water temp is a constant 80°, so they are adaptable. They are always squabbling, so I wouldn't worry too much about that, as long as there are places in the tank they can go and hide. I have pleco caves and driftwood in my tank, along with gravel as a bottom. They also have never bothered any of my plants. Mine eat Hikari algae wafers, froz bloodworms, froz brine shrimp, fresh zucchini, and almost anything else I put in the tank, even earthworm stix. My favorite thing to watch is when they are on the glass and you can see their little hearts beating ! Here are a couple of pics:
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/campinkru/IMG_2845.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/campinkru/IMG_2883.jpg
This is a young fry:
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/campinkru/IMG_4726.jpg

[sora1600]

Congrats on your sewellias. I have had mine for about 3 or 4 years now. Started with 10 (they are in a 46BF)and must have close to 40+ now. They breed quite frequently, and I am sure I lose some to the other bottom dwellers in the tank (corys, red ancistrus, L104s, L340s, sids. Plus there are bolivian rams in the tank. Otherwise I think I would be overrun with them. I have 2 AC 70s on the tank, and quite often find some fry in the filters when I go to clean them. I do not use any other flow in that tank, and my water temp is a constant 80°, so they are adaptable. They are always squabbling, so I wouldn't worry too much about that, as long as there are places in the tank they can go and hide. I have pleco caves and driftwood in my tank, along with gravel as a bottom. They also have never bothered any of my plants. Mine eat Hikari algae wafers, froz bloodworms, froz brine shrimp, fresh zucchini, and almost anything else I put in the tank, even earthworm stix. My favorite thing to watch is when they are on the glass and you can see their little hearts beating !

Thanks! I'm starting out with 3 as I am planning on adding another type of hillstream loach and have read the sewellia will pick on the smaller loaches. I'm not interested in breeding them as this is a display tank but if they do end up breeding and I see the babies, I guess I'll have to take care of them as I hate to leave them in the tank and let others eat them. The other loach I am getting requires a lot of current, from what I read so I have a filter on one side and a powerhead on the other. It gets hot here in Ca so I don't have a heater on since I'm paranoid it might break and cook my fishes. Room temp is usually in the 70s during the winter too. Yea the big one is just chasing the other but I'll let them chase each other until they get tired of it. I haven't tried any frozen food but have feed them algae I grew outside, mazuri gel food, and algae wafers. I'm going to try the frozen food once I go to the LFS as I'm out. I have sand as the bottom but is gravel better? I read they like to dig in the sand. I find it funny when they are grazing on the rock. Makes me laugh. I'm also trying to sex them but cannot find the difference between them. I try to look for the 'fences' but I don't see any.
Thanks for answering my questions and I appreciate it as I try to make their tank better for them.

[vanillarum]

Not sure about their preference for sand or gravel. I have gravel, and I think their natural habitat is mostly rocks, but not really sure. If you have both sexes, I would guess they will eventually breed. They have many many fry, but they are almost too small for the naked eye ( at least for my tired old eyes !) to see. I usually find them in the filter at about 1/4" long. Good luck.

[allaboutfish]

i saw a pic of their natura; habitat and it seems that sand would be better.

[sora1600]

Yea I think I'll stick to sand as it's already in the tank. I do have smaller sized rocks with some big ones I collected from a river here. I think I'll have a problem seeing them too :). I have glasses which I hate wearing and always misplace them. I do have a AC sponge on the filter and powerhead so hopefully it kind of helps in keeping them safe until they are better to see.

[sora1600]

Hmm, I swear one of them is trying to escape from the tank. I think I'm a little paranoid after watching that YouTube video of the loach escaping. Hopefully the rim kind of stops it from escaping.

[vanillarum]

I have never found any of my sewellias on the floor. They will swim right up to the water line to explore, but then swim away. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Good luck.

[sora1600]

I have never found any of my sewellias on the floor. They will swim right up to the water line to explore, but then swim away. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Good luck.

Ok thanks. I have a plastic mesh covering around the filter so they can't crawl out just in case but seems like they bump against that at least 3 times a night.

[sora1600]

I think I may end up moving the bully. It does not let the other two go near the food or anywhere near the bottom. They have to either hide in the plants or on rocks to get away from him. Plus the one he picks on the most, scuffles with him and keeps going towards him. Never learns. So far I don't see any rips or cuts but will probably remove just in case.

[sora1600]

So my LFS has some Beaufortia kweichowensis, which I was amazed at since they never had any since, ever. They are going to have a sale (25-50%) on ALL aquarium (tanks, filter, fish stock, pretty much anything related to fish in the store) that I am tempted to get but no more. I cannot be tempted. Uh. Plus it's a sale from 9pm to 1am. I have class the next day so nope. I can go for a 15g new tank though...They're planning on importing a lot of fishes so I might find something I always wanted too. WHYWHYWHY!

[fishorama]

Isn't that always the way, lol. If your heart is set on gastros they'll be worth the wait. I tend to get seduced by a pretty new loach face but can usually resist. I once came home with b. striatas in a bag & set up a QT in record time, less than 30 mins from basement to cycled filter to acclimating fish.

Where is this CA lfs?... Who am I kidding, I'm way not ready yet.

[sora1600]

It's actually my very close LFS (couple streets down my house). It's locally owned and has been in business before I was born (I'm 22). It's located in Fresno. A couple of hours drive from SF:). They always have one sale every year. Very good sales with usually 25 to 75% off everything. Great deals on tank/stand/light set ups. Plus it's better to shop during the sale as the original prices are a little expensive.
Yea I told my mom I'm only keeping one tank so she said I better not bring in anymore tanks or fishes. I am waiting for the gast. as that's one reason why I have the hillstream tank. Hopefully, I don't go near the store to get tempted!

[fishorama]

Whew! not too close! Stick to your want/need list, you'll be happy you did! (I'm not really sure how far Fresno is yet but it doesn't really matter, NOT ready for fish...my new mantra, lol)

Love your new avatar! Is that Mr. Aggressive? Pretty!

[sora1600]

Whew! not too close! Stick to your want/need list, you'll be happy you did! (I'm not really sure how far Fresno is yet but it doesn't really matter, NOT ready for fish...my new mantra, lol)

Love your new avatar! Is that Mr. Aggressive? Pretty!

Thanks! No, it's the other one he picks on. I put a thin layer of sand in the tank since I didn't want the bottom to get any bacteria that can harm them as I had that happen to other fishes and it killed them off. There's really nothing interesting in this town so it's only worth it if you're passing through. Yea, I'm not going to the sale as it would make me bankrupt:)

[sora1600]

Here's the link (flyer) for the sale if anyone local or close to Fresno, Ca is interested: http://whitiespets.com/global-fish-sale/
I think I might go for the AC filters but not too sure yet. If they end up having loaches, I may have to spend money on some fish as they are 50% off. Won't be out of class until 6 so might be a little late:(.

[sora1600]

Not much to update. Bought a AC50 to replace the powerhead as the main tank is going in my room and I cannot sleep with the powerhead on. Loaches are doing great. Scuffles has lessen. Now, I have two that are a lighter color while the other is still dark in color and a smaller size. Loaches did like eating mysis shrimp but not the brine, really. I think I will try some fresh veggies as the only veggies I have right now are cucumbers. Don't have time to stop by the store yet.
Going to check out the sale to see if they have any gast. in stock. I'm hoping they do as they said a big chance they are able to get them. Might even have some anabantoids I've been looking for. I doubt they can get my tweediei though.

[sora1600]

Well I've been deciding on my stock these past days and I think I figured what is going to be in the tank. I still haven't decided, permanently, if I am really going to get them as this tank will most likely be set up for a year or so until I graduate and go overseas, then I can see their habitats in person:). Planning on stocking the tank with:
-3 sewellias (which I have in qt right now)
-3 gast.
-a pair or two of s. percnopterygionus or atropurpureus (these are going to burn a hole in my pocket:()

Haven't figured how to grow algae in the tank. I can grow it outside but it doesn't seem to grow in the tank. I'm dosing ferts and have the light on for 12 or 13 hours a day. Will be checking out the sale at the LFS before ordering online to save on shipping, if I can. I'll update then on what happens.

[sora1600]

I did not go to the sale after all. A miracle. Hahaha. Had to go into work for awhile so missed the 9pm time and wasn't going to go look at the un-wanted stuff.
Loaches have been in qt for 3 weeks. Scuffles have almost stopped but they've been hanging out around the filter, grazing on the rocks, a little less playful than in the beginning. Don't know why. Water change tomorrow though and will be taking out some small plants that are just floating around the tank which I need gone.
I hope to order some gast. soon. Just waiting for them to get imported and getting some gobies...
I might get a custom tank done for the loaches as I do not like the length and width of the 20 as it does not let me add enough rocks in the back as I want. I need something around the same gallons though for it to be able to fit on my stand. I dislike how a 20 tall looks too.

[sora1600]

UPDATE:
Bought my ctenos, finally:). Also bought a koralia. Well that's enough fish stuff for this month. Will have to sell the AC 50 if the koralia is quiet or get a refund...Can't wait til the ctenos get here. Hopefully not on a day I have class.

[sora1600]

Seller messed up on the order and the other person received my stuff while I received hers. The gast are actually scitulus. Almost the same patterns:). Will be getting them on Tuesday. I'll post pictures during acclimation to quarantine on Tuesday before class as UPS drops it off around 10am and adding more rocks to the main tank so maybe a full tank shot if I have time.

[happypoet]

What ferts are you using to try to grow algae? You need Phosphates. Most aquatic ferts don't have Phosphate to keep algae from growing. Also, you could seed it from someone's tank that has a bunch.
Here's a pic of my hillstream tank tonight. Obviously, you might not want the flowing algae, so you'd have to not seed it! Personally, I like it and it harbors a ton of microfauna that my fish seem to relish. Also keeps shrimp (and hopefully fry in the future) safe from my carnivores.
http://i.imgur.com/sQBK9.jpg

[allaboutfish]

ill send you some algae sora ;) i have a 10 full of green algae, just pay shipping lol

[sora1600]

O, I have a lot of green algae water but for some odd reason, I cannot grow it in the tub I am using for the loaches even when I throw in some rocks in the algae tub. I'm using Plant Gro NPK as I have a whole bottle of it. It does grow but just too slowly and not enough for the loaches. I did try putting in some algae water into the tank but haven't seen anything.

[happypoet]

oh, gotcha... I haven't gotten much from my outside tubs since the fall. The window vase works well for me. I have a big clear hurricane vase from wal-mart filled with little glass votives in the window. I add ferts and rotate the votives out as they get covered in algae.

[sora1600]

I would have the window vase/tub but my mom would complain:). She lets me have as many tanks as I want but if it's just empty tubs like that, I can't keep them as she says if she spells the water, it's not her fault, too bad.

[happypoet]

oh, that's too bad! It's quite pretty when it goes to the green phase (the brown algae phase is not at all attractive!)

[sora1600]

oh, that's too bad! It's quite pretty when it goes to the green phase (the brown algae phase is not at all attractive!)

I know. I like the green more too. I have some plants in the tank that has hair algae but it doesn't look like it is going to spread or either really slow to. I just hate the fact that when I want algae to grow, it never does but when I don't want it, it does.

My stock for this tank will most likely be:
3 sewellia
6 gastromyzon (if they survive quarantine)
a pair or two of either S. percnoptergyionus, atropurpureus, or semoni

if I decide not to upgrade and get the garras which may not happen as I cannot grow enough algae to feed the stock I want in the bigger tank.

For some odd reason, my LFS has been selling a lot of hillstream fishes for cheap. They're in the $5 or lower range but most are sold out when I go though so I never actually get to see what kind of fish...

[sora1600]

I have to put the stiphodons on hold as a close friend is leaving soon and I need to make room for his fishes and rehome some of them. I plan to keep his breeding sewellias and add to my group. See what size tanks he has so I can give them more room/territory. Hopefully a 40+ gallon.

[sora1600]

My new loaches during acclimation in my red bucket:):
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0448.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0447.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0446.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0445.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0444.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0443.jpg

[sora1600]

Off they went into the quarantine tank. All looks well and healthy. Have to go to class now until 9pm.

[allaboutfish]

i swear i thought that was blood until i read the red bucket part

[sora1600]

Haha, yea I ran out of clear/white buckets to use and only had the red one left.

[fishorama]

Very nice!

[sora1600]

Thanks :). Hopefully they all make it through quarantine.

[happypoet]

Nice! Can't wait to see them in their new digs!

[fishorama]

Did you get them from frank...PM me if you don't want to say. They look smallish but healthy.

[sora1600]

Nice! Can't wait to see them in their new digs!

It's going to be about a month or more before I add them to the 20:). A long wait but I rather have healthy loaches than dead loaches.


Did you get them from frank...PM me if you don't want to say. They look smallish but healthy.

Pm'd you, so hopefully it went through as I've been having trouble with PMing lately.

Checked up on them after I got back from class. All look good. Will feed them zucchini tomorrow.

[sora1600]

Loaches look fine today. All trying to hide in the stack of rocks so I may have to put in a pot for them. Fed some mysis shrimp but they don't seem to be eating yet as the rocks I put in there with algae is still covered in algae. My sewellias are doing great too. All swimming in the current, chasing each other.

[sora1600]

Trying to figure out if these are scitulus or ctenocephalus. Looks to be cteno from the markings of the tail but the dots on the body looks to be scitulus. Seller has no clue too so kind of lost there, haha.

[fishorama]

Post some pics on loaches.com, they'll likely be able to help unless everyone is on Thanksgiving holiday. I'm way far from hillsteams knowledgable. Cute whatever they are!

[sora1600]

Post some pics on loaches.com, they'll likely be able to help unless everyone is on Thanksgiving holiday. I'm way far from hillsteams knowledgable. Cute whatever they are!

Yea, I was going to but I have the tank covered on 3 sides and the loaches stay at the covered side where the stack of rocks, plants, and pot is so it's hard to get a clear photo of them while in the quarantine tank. I'll try to get one tomorrow if they venture out as they've been hiding.

[sora1600]

Ok definitely G. Cteno. Glad as they are the ones I wanted in the first place.

[sora1600]

So my mom woke up and saw that there were puddles of water around the couches, tv, and appliances in the living room. She mopped and cleaned the puddles up, thinking it was from the dog (he is house trained but sometimes has accidents). After making breakfast, she found more puddles and told my dad to see what was wrong. He was checking everything out and thought it was coming from the pipes in the walls. I was starting my water change on the quarantine tank which is on the bottom of the stand. Saw that the filter was overfilling and wetting everything outside near it. Unplugged it and mopped up the water. Found out all the puddles were coming from the tank! Good thing I decided today to do my water changes as my dad was going to knock out a whole wall of the living room to check. The puddles did wet part of my mom's expensive rug though. A little mad as she blamed it on the dog. Hahaha. The tank was on the other side of the room and I guess the water traveled along the tile ridges. Anyways, I'm just using 2 sponge filters until I find/buy a filter that won't overfill as this was a AC filter. I'm not sure why it overfilled as I had the water line low and the flow on medium. I'll be safe and not use it:).
Loaches look to be doing great. I know they have been eating but not enough for me to feel safe that they will not starve. No one looks to be sick though so far.

[fishorama]

What a mess! Lucky you figured it out before the wall opening began.

I had an Aqua Clear do something similar but less dramatic. It wasn't sitting level on the tank, it tilted back enough to leak plus it may have been in need of cleaning. I like ACs except for the little plastic thing for leveling. It can fall off or get knocked off trying to lift the filter off the tank. It also wouldn't self start the siphon but we didn't make the connection until it leaked.

[sora1600]

Yea I'm not going to use it on this tank anymore as I don't want to clean a bigger mess. My dad was actually laughing along with me. My mom did not find it amusing. Haha.

Why is there never a good 40B stand? I'm having such a hard time finding one so I can upgrade. Might just get a 29g so I can add more driftwood as most stores have the 29 stand. Don't want to build a stand as it may cost me more than buying one from the store.

[sora1600]

There's a crack on the tank so I am moving everything to a 20 high when I get the chance this week as that's the only tank I have available right now. Crack starts from the bottom near the black plastic part. Not sure how it got there but the crack looks to be getting bigger since the last time I checked and don't want another mess, especially on carpet.

Is 38 watts too much for the tank? Trying to grow algae in the main tank instead of outside...

[sora1600]

Update:
Well finals took a lot of my time. Glad it is over until January.

Anyways, I added the gastromyzons today and took out a lot of plants and rocks since I barely see any of the loaches. Tank is bare but I plan to add a mother plant or some vals to finish the back corner of the tank. I decided to stick to only loaches so no stiphodons or others. Will add another koralia powerhead and I hope to get my bulbs for my lights so I can have 55 watts on this tank. I found the new tank at my feed store. It's 26x13x16, around 23 or 24 gallons. Weird dimensions but close to what I was looking for. Plan to add some amano shrimps to add to my group and 2 more sewellias then I am done.

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0463.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0444-2.jpg

[fishorama]

Looks nice! How are the sewellia taking the gastro invasion?

[sora1600]

Looks nice! How are the sewellia taking the gastro invasion?

Thanks:). The gatromyzons look to be beating up the sewellias but I think once the sewellias get bigger, they will be the dominant ones. The gastromyzons are a little bigger than the sewellias right now.

[fishorama]

I thought maybe Mr Agressive would be a PITA to the new gastos...good to know!

[sora1600]

I thought maybe Mr Agressive would be a PITA to the new gastos...good to know!

I thought so too but it seems to be only chasing the other two sewellias but once it sees the gastromyzons, it swims away. The gastromyzons are even fighting each other. Don't know which one is the dominant one yet.

[sora1600]

I was bored on a day off so took some photos. Haven't added anything new but just dosing a little more ferts than I use to. Got my bulbs so I hope algae will grow in this tank. Getting the mother plant and powerhead next week when I get my paycheck. I'll then get the 2 sewellias and 5 amano shrimps sometime in January.

FTS (the powerhead is behind the driftwood):
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0469-2.jpg
My lone blue mystery snail:
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0460-1.jpg
Sewellia:
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0455.jpg
Gast.:
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0457.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0492.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0493.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0475-1.jpg

[MisaHasTheEyes]

Looking good! I think my next tank might be standard hillstream loaches, maybe with rubbernose plecos. And all the current I can get!

[sora1600]

Thanks! I hope to add some more sewellias once the importer gets back to me. I'm tempted to upgrade the tank to a 40B so I can get some sewellia "spotted" but will have to see what happens. The loaches do love the current, if you don't plan to breed them:).

[sora1600]

2 videos of my loaches. I think the sewellia in the video wants to breed as it is chasing the other two but they are not interested so it's harrassing them. Once I dropped in the food, he went to it and started fighting with the gastromyzons and why I am a little worried about him beating up the others who do not fight back. Tank is a little dirty as the driftwood I have in the tank, sheds a lot. Will be doing a water change and vacuum tomorrow. Sorry for the whiteness of the sand as the lights I have are bright with the white/tan sand. Going to order a new powerhead tomorrow for more current in the tank.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzBvqXnPjFI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYdYxYtHKkY

[dudley]

Excellent videos, I really enjoyed watching them!!!

What is the food that you are feeding them?

[sora1600]

Excellent videos, I really enjoyed watching them!!!

What is the food that you are feeding them?

Thanks. It's Mazuri gel food.

[fishorama]

Nice vids! looks like they're playing "king of the cube". I don't think they really hurt each other, as long as everyone gets food it should be ok.

[sora1600]

Thanks :). I hope they don't hurt each other. I was planning on adding 3 more to decrease the aggression but don't want to overstock the tank as I like to understock to be safe. My new powerhead should be here tomorrow or Saturday. Also getting a Eheim 2213 or 2215. Haven't decided which yet.

Not loach related but: My LFS has toothcarps but were sold out when I went. They had only a female left. I should have bought the female home but there was no male. I've been looking everywhere for these and it's weird how my LFS ended up selling some. Should have asked if they will have new stock coming in.

[fishorama]

Toothcarps? I think of that term as guppies & killifish (& similar), not a specific fish (like cichlid), maybe that's my age showing, lol.

[sora1600]

Toothcarps? I think of that term as guppies & killifish (& similar), not a specific fish (like cichlid), maybe that's my age showing, lol.

Yes, they are categorized as killies :). Here's the one I was talking about: http://www.seriouslyfish.com/profile.php?genus=Aphanius&species=iberus&id=1302
aka the Spanish toothcarp. Weird name for a fish. There is a seller on AB selling A. mento (found in Turkey, I think), but it's not the Spanish toothcarp I want.

[fishorama]

Thanks for the link, they look nice. They sound kinda tricky (but I think that about any fish needing slightly brackish) & red listed, added pressure to get them to breed. Good luck!

[sora1600]

Thanks for the link, they look nice. They sound kinda tricky (but I think that about any fish needing slightly brackish) & red listed, added pressure to get them to breed. Good luck!

Brackish is what's making me re-think buying them as I don't want anymore brackish fish. Had enough with the nothos. They do survive Ca weather throughout the year so might be a good thing to keep them in a pond-like setting as it usually stays above 35+F here in the valley. I think I'll stick to the loaches for now and just upgrade my equipment. The loaches would appreciate that :).

[fishorama]

Good idea! I didn't realise nothos were brackish too. (& aren't you going off to school soon?)

[sora1600]

I had them slightly brackish so they didn't get sick. The salt helped keep velvet away which nothos are prone to easily get. Never lost any fry or breeders this way. I'm going to be 22 next month, haha. I'm going to my local state university right now and should be done in a year which I plan to go overseas if I get a job offer.

[fishorama]

I remembered it was some kind of long term (fishless) travel...

[sora1600]

It's fishless:). I haven't made up my mind if I want to stay here or go overseas. It will depend as the job is a one year contract the first year and after, it is a 2+years contract. If I decide to stay for long term, I will probably end up selling all my tanks and stock. I have my younger brother to take care of them for that one year to see if I do end up staying overseas as I'm not sure if I want to stay here or go somewhere else. Staying here for a job will add about an extra year for college which I do not want to do.

[sora1600]

Well I received the new powerhead Friday. Nice current...a little too strong but the loaches seem to like it. Tank has an algae bloom so a lot of green spots, especially on the glass. Sold my other light so tank only has 40 watts. Trying to control some of the algae as I don't want algae I cannot control. Been working so I haven't had the time to check up on anything these days. I think my shrimps are missing as I have not seen any of them lately. At least I'll have some money to upgrade my filter and finally get my other gastromyzons I've been wanting. Also need to get some more liquid ferts. I've been using PlantGro NPK but it is not available anymore (my feed store might have some last ones in stock). I'm not too sure about Excel Flourish as I don't want it melting my plants or by adding something new to my tank.

Taken last Friday. New powerhead made a mess of the tank; all clean now though :). Java fern has been dying slowly for some odd reason. The crypt and tiger lotus as been doing great though:
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0443-1.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0449.jpg

[sora1600]

Received a new Eheim 2215 filter:) for an early birthday present. Will set it up tomorrow during a water change and adding more rocks. Photos tomorrow maybe.

[sora1600]

Jeez, why is the filter so confusing. I just cut up the hose into pieces and connected them. Watching set-up videos on YouTube did not work. Book, totally useless. So far so good. I hope it doesn't leak during the night as I think I connected everything correctly. I wanted to use the spray bar but the hose made it stay at a weird angle. Did not have enough time to correct the hose but will try tomorrow or Sunday when I have time and get my room back. Didn't even have time to do a water change.

[sora1600]

Some pictures. Water is very clean from the new filter:). Had to scrub off some algae on the glass wall. Spray bar was horizontal yesterday but it's moving. I need more suction cups to hold it in place because the hose I cut to connect the spray bar and other part, bends upward. I might end up taking off the spray bar tomorrow.
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0461-1.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0452.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0457-1.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0456.jpg
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0450.jpg

[happypoet]

Looking great!

[sora1600]

Thanks:).

I like how it is turning out. Just need to finish stocking on some loaches or stiphodon then I'll leave the tank to grow more algae. No more re-scaping. I might remove the tiger lotus out as some of the leaves are melting though.

[fishorama]

Really pretty! I have trouble with suction cups too. What is that tube-like thing in the last pic?

[sora1600]

Really pretty! I have trouble with suction cups too. What is that tube-like thing in the last pic?

Thanks! The pinkish colored tube? It's a veggie holder for the zucchini and other veggies I feed the loaches. I just leave it in the tank as algae grows on it. A fishing line is connected to it so that I don't have to put my hand in the tank to grab it when I need it. Yea I just hate how it doesn't stay in place and I have to fix it. I'll fix it tomorrow before feeding them or drop by the LFS to see if they have any extra suction cups.

[fishorama]

Next time you're taking pics could you take 1 of the veggie clip please? I never saw 1 like it...I used dental floss on my clips so I wouldn't have to get so wet too, I don't always want to roll up my sleeves, lol.

[sora1600]

I'll take one tomorrow when I fix the spray bar. I bought it from AB username: Rosenthalpottery. They make pleco caves and stuff. I think I bought it for $2 or less. Don't remember the price as it was a couple years ago when I bred bristlenoses.

I'm adding some s. perc in this tank. Just bought some :). Hope they make it through qt.

[fishorama]

Percs! Awesome, I can't wait to see them!

So, it's ceramic?

[Luc]

For your spraybar trouble, just get some 90' hose connectors. You can buy the at any garden or DIY store with garden department. Connect 3 of them with PVC-pipe and plumbers tape in such a way that the filter hose connects vertical at the back of the tank then going over the rim of the tank (upside down U shape) and in the tank 1 more connector to bring it horizontal and ends up in your spraybar.

[Luc]

Forgot to mention.... Beautiful tank..keep it going.

[sora1600]

Percs! Awesome, I can't wait to see them!

So, it's ceramic?

Yes, it is. Holds down the veggie pretty good. Only once in a while the veggie escapes and floats around the tank. A great price for the percs. so I had to get them.


For your spraybar trouble, just get some 90' hose connectors. You can buy the at any garden or DIY store with garden department. Connect 3 of them with PVC-pipe and plumbers tape in such a way that the filter hose connects vertical at the back of the tank then going over the rim of the tank (upside down U shape) and in the tank 1 more connector to bring it horizontal and ends up in your spraybar.

Thank you for the suggestion. I'll see what I can do tomorrow and if it doesn't work, I'll try what you mentioned.

I still have some of the hose left too as the filter isn't too far from the tank so I can mess up another time :).

[dudley]

Your tank is looking great!!!Did you buy the filter new or used? The pic you posted that shows the output in the tank looks wrong. It appears the green tubing/hose comes over the rim of the tank and then connects to a long piece of hard green plastic pipe. Then the connection to the spray bar is hidden by the plants but I assume there is a section of hose that connects to the spraybar. Am I correct in the layout?Normally, the green tubing/hose from the canister filter goes over the rim of the aquarium and is prevented from kinking by using the green elbow that has a slot cut in the side. This elbow slips over the hose and rests on the rim of the aquarium. Then a small elbow is used to connect a short piece of hose to the spray bar.Or it is a J-shape hard plastic pipe that hangs on the rim of the tank and also uses the small elbow to connect 2 short pieces of hose, one from the J-tube to elbow and one from the elbow to the spraybar.I hope this made sense to you, if not, ask away!!

[sora1600]

Yes, it is set up wrong:). I couldn't get the spray bar to stay straight as the plastic hose kept bending (the hose was rolled in the box, giving the bend shape to it), making it at a angle so I used the other part to help keep it straight. First night I had it set up right but when I woke up, one end of the bar was out of the water. Tried it again for a day. Same thing happened so I just used the J-shape whatever it is called to connect to the spray bar. Hasn't moved since. I bought it new for $100.

[sora1600]

This is how I set it up as I couldn't get the hose to bend to keep the spray bar straight:http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/shuwae/DSC_0437.jpg

[dudley]

You have the J-tube upside down. If you put it so the J portion is closer to the tank rim AND closer to the end panel of the tank, the spray bar will fit perfectly and mount to the short side end panel with the suction cups.Do you have the filter sitting on the floor?

[sora1600]

Can you draw a picture? It would help me understand better instead of trying to think about it in my head:). I would prefer to put the spray bar on the back instead of the side of the tank as I have my two power heads on the opposite side of the filter. Yes, the filter is on the floor. Im not looking for the filter's surface movement as I already have the power head near the top moving the water. I just need it to filter the tank.

[dudley]

The curved portion of the output tube is meant to rest on the rim of the tank.

[sora1600]

The curved portion of the output tube is meant to rest on the rim of the tank.

I know but it won't work on my tank since the tank is not on a high stand. The way I have it now works for me so I think I'll just keep it that way. Don't want to mess with it. It didn't even work when I had the elbow part on for some odd reason as I set it up exactly like the picture shown. Only difference is that I have the input part next to the output (input located on the opposite side of the powerheads).
190160
(not my drawing; from plantedtank)

[fishorama]

I was told you have to have the canister lower than the tank bottom for filter to work right, it wasn't an Eheim but...siphon into filter, pump to return. Are you getting good suction & return flow?

[sora1600]

Yep works perfectly for me. Quiet too :). I've actually seen some people who have the Eheim filters at the same height. They say it works so I don't know. Never heard about it not working. The current from the output pushes the loaches when they get near the spray bar.