chinese butterfly/hillstream loach

Not to me. Hillstream loaches originated from rivers where waters are fast-flowing thus driving out any possible detritus. This alone already gives us a conclusion that the water is very clean. With a shubunkin, the water is expected to deteriorate rather rapidly. And anyway, I don't think shubunkins can tolerate powerful currents that hillies do.

Tasma, I would recommend placing the hillie in a tank full of cobbles, pumps with powerful currents and temp should not exceed beyond 24 degrees Celsius. Get more hillies. They need more than just being kept singly. If you can't do this, best to return him to your lfs. Either way, the hillie is bound to live shorter than what is expected of them.
 
do you think the shubunkin would hurt him? so the cold water would be fine, coz its really cold, no heater at all. are there any heat requirements at all coz i can also get a heater and raise the temp slightly?
 
ok, well i dont mind investing in a new tank for them and getting a bunch of hillies coz they're just so **** cute!
are there any fish that would be able to tolerate the currents?
 
Tasma said:
ok, well i dont mind investing in a new tank for them and getting a bunch of hillies coz they're just so **** cute!
are there any fish that would be able to tolerate the currents?
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White cloud mountain minnows, rasboras and danios are suitable tankmates. A lot of them are quite tolerant of temps not falling below 20 degrees Celsius.
 
Tasma said:
do you think the shubunkin would hurt him? so the cold water would be fine, coz its really cold, no heater at all. are there any heat requirements at all coz i can also get a heater and raise the temp slightly?
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It's the water quality deterioration that is more of an issue than compatibility. Hillies won't do well in deteriorating water quality.
 
ok, thanks for all the advice! appreciate it!

keep it coming, always willing to learn more.
 
Tasma, if you are willing to put in efforts to make an excellent environment for your hillies, then this is for you.:) I made two for my loaches already and it's quite easy to make them.
http://www.loaches.com/articles/river-tank-manifold-design

You may be able to rub in luck if hillies eventually spawn in your tank. Sand would be a better substrate compared to gravel. Some low light plants like anubias and Java ferns are fine additions as well as smooth rocks minus rough ones.

For supply of algae, place a bucket of water under direct sunlight containing several small smooth rocks with a pinch of fishfood. This will ensure continuous and fast production of algae for the hillstream loaches. Keep alternating rocks coated with green algae.:)
 
how big should a tank be for about 5 hillies and maybe 3-5 other companions, and is there any way to tell the sexes of the hillies?
 
Tasma said:
how big should a tank be for about 5 hillies and maybe 3-5 other companions, and is there any way to tell the sexes of the hillies?
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A 20 gallons will do it. It's hard to determine the sexes as far as I know. I know Sewellia lineolata can be distinguished by their head shape but I have not learn anything at all about distinguishing sexes of Beaufortia kweichowensis.

Hillstream loach is a name shared by several species of Gastromyzon, Beaufortia, Sewellia and many more so yours may not necessarily be one species only.

Ultimately, you'll need to dig deep into several species stored here.:)
http://www.loaches.com/species-index/species-index
 
thanks, so i'm gonna invest in a new tank, just have to find room!
so the water manifold thingy's easy to make? coz their new home needs to be perfect. does the manifold thingy go underneath the sand? can i get ones already made?
 
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