Scaling Way Up: Clown Loach/Community Tank - Compiling Info

[DGalt]

I've had a 15 gallon planted tank for the last 2 years or so in my on-campus apartment (where we're supposed to be limited to 10 gallons :rofl. Now that I'm graduating and going off to grad school, though, I'm finally going to get the chance to put together what I've been coveting for a while now.

A clown loach tank! (plus a school or two of something that will hang out near the surface).

Seeing as I have until mid-July to plan this out, though, I want to start compiling as much information as I can (since I've never had a tank as big as this one will have to be).

So I guess the first question is...how big? I was thinking something in the 90-120 range. The difference between a 120 and a 90 long just seems to be in the height though (18 inches vs. 24). I know the typical philosophy here is "bigger is better," but what are the pros/cons of either one vs. the other.

Second question: Filtration. 2 Canisters? If so, what type(s) (also, if 2 isn't enough, how many). On a similar topic, I've read a good deal about people with larger tanks using sumps. Is this a necessity or just a personal preference thing? I also know that clown loaches prefer a good deal of current. Is the regular filtration enough or will a powerhead (or 2, or 3, etc.) be necessary?

Third question: (goes along with 2nd I guess) Other equipment necessary? Especially heaters, how many/what watts (Going with Visi-Therm stealth unless someone has a different suggestions). Also, lighting...suggestions? Definitely don't want too much, but enough to grow some low-maintenance plants.

Fourth question Stand. How cost effective is it to built a stand vs. to buy one?

Fourth question: Fish. How many clown loaches? What would make a good upper-dweller to pair with them (I was thinking a school of something smallish, maybe 2 schools. In general I want to keep this to a 2-3 species tank).

Fifth question: Tank design. Any/all suggestions are welcome here. I'd like to put some plants in, but I want to keep this as a semi-low maintenance tank. Maybe a couple big swords or crypts. Some type of sand substrate, some driftwood or rockwork. No groundcover. I know these guys come from stream environment, not real sure how to recreate that (or if I want to).

I'm sure I'll come up with more questions as I go along, but this is a start at least. Like I said, I have a good 4.5 months, so I want to get as much info as I can before I dive in

thanks in advance!

 

[fishorama]

Think a 6+ foot tank eventually for grown clowns, but they grow slowly after 5 or so inches IME so at least a 75 to start with (through grad school anyway). I'd go with 2 large canisters & a powerhead or 2, they like flow.

Sand & large rounded rocks & driftwood. Clowns like heat 80+ so 2 heaters would be good with tankmates that can handle the heat & flow...no neons LOL. Medium-large barbs or rainbows. Mine eat plants especially swords, if I don't feed romaine & zucchini, apparently they get worse as they get larger.

6 is a minimum, more always better. Have a long read over at loaches.com

 

[LeahK]

First question:Check out the 100 long and 100 wide at Glass Cages. They're both 6 feet long:
http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=2

Longer is better than tall for fast-swimming fish like clowns. I think those 6ft/100g tanks are awesome. Much more swimming space, but still in the same gallon range of the normal 90's/120's.

Fourth question: I'd get at least 6 clowns. As for schoolers, barbs and clowns are a classic combo. My rosy barbs tore up my plants, though. Cherry barbs would be a nice peaceful dither fish. Or, something tiny, like celestial pearl danios. You could have a huge school!

Fifth question: Make sure there are caves or tubes, or other hiding places. Clowns feel more comfortable when they have hiding spots to retreat to. But, make sure the caves aren't too intricate, or the clowns can wedge themselves in there and you'll never see them.

Check out: http://www.loaches.com/articles/an-introduction-to-keeping-botia

On CL tanks in particular: http://www.loaches.com/articles/my-clown-loach-aquarium

And, on river tanks: http://www.loaches.com/articles/water-movement-in-the-loach-aquarium
http://www.loaches.com/articles/a-river-runs-through-it

 

[DGalt]

Very odd that the 120 goes down to 4ft. Anyone know anyone that makes a 120 long?

When you see eat swords, do you mean nibble on/punch holes in the leaves or do you mean entirely consume the plant?

 

[fishorama]

Mine punch holes first then the holes get bigger until they're in tatters, they usually recover. Crypts get holes too sometimes usually just new plants, not as yummy as swords. Romaine is preferred by far.

125g is a standard 6ft commonly available though you can get custom sized. I wouldn't trust my DIY skills but yours are probably more advanced. Metal stands are usually less than wood if you like the look. Check craigslist for tanks