Question for Hillstream Loach owners....

[Greggz]

A couple of weeks ago I did something I rarely do, and bought a couple of Hillstream Loaches on impulse. I usually do some research first, and am very particular about what goes in my tank.

The owner of my LFS store said they wouldn't eat algae, and would mostly eat anything I'm feeding my other fish.

Well, let me tell you, these little guys do eat algae. I have plenty of driftwood, and had a few large patches that were really green. In the first week they completely stripped it down to the bare wood. Then they went after the glass, the rocks, the decor, shells, etc.

Now I am getting worried about keeping them fed. I've never seen them eat any flake, brine, or blood worms. I plan on trying some algae wafers, and see it they go for them.

I'm keeping them in a 70G Rainbow tank kept at 76 degrees, with lots of current being supplied by 2 Rena XP3's and 2 Penguin 660R powerheads. I've read they do best in a river tank, but so far they seem very happy, and are almost constantly on the move.

I was wondering if any others have successfully keeping these neat little creatures in a community tank? And if so, anything special that you feed them?

 

[Lupin]

Greg, my hillies eat algae and everything I give them.For a constant supply of algae, try to place a bucket of water under direct sunlight. Put some white rocks in it. Add a pinch of fishfood in it. In a few days, green algae should grow on those rocks. Use them alternately so the hillies can eat algae while constantly supplying more. It is recommended you get as many rocks as you can. Algae wafers alone will not suffice. You need a constant supply of algae plus other foods. Yes, mine eat flakes, pellets, bloodworms, mosquito larva, etc.

 

[vanillarum]

Greg, I've had 6 of these little kamakazes for a couple of months now, and I luv 'em ! Mine are in a community 46 bowfront with ghost cats, plecos, cories, SAEs, long arm shrimp, some rasbora het., and some aph. australe. Wow, I've got a lot of fish ! Anyway, mine also love zucchini. I've also got mopani driftwood and lots of slate in the tank. The guy I bought mine from said he doesn't use a lot of flow, and he is breeding them. I have a little flow, but only from my filters (Emperor 350 and AC 70). These guys are fun to watch. Very difficult to photograph !! Good luck.