Height for loach tank ?

[random2]

Hi all,

This is my first post here but have been lurking for months. Im pretty new into aqua world and Im from India.

I have a small 2ft planted tank and planning on a 3ft tank which I want to make it a loach tank with some good flow.

I have fixed dimensions as 36inLx18inW as space is limited. Have choices of 18, 21 and 24inches for height (21 and 24 almost costing the same). What would be the ideal height if I want to keep 5-6 Botia straita and one or two species of top fellows?

Filter: Planning on a Eheim Ecco Pro 3 in case its available or similar ones.
Also planning to get a Hydor Koralia powerhead from US around december (will take care of the voltage conversion)
Could the experienced people here please suggest which one would be good for the above tank i.e Koralia1, 2 or 3. My rough guess is Koralia2

Any suggestions are welcome and would be greatly helpful.

Regards,
Deepak

[Graeme Robson]

There is no ideal hight regarding loaches. There is indeed a need for length though!

[random2]

Is 36inches short for loaches like b.striata?
I dont plan on anything bigger than that (i meant fishes )

[Bully]

A 3ft tank would suit B. striata. Height is not so important as length but, if you get the higher tanks you will have more volume which will allow for more stable water parameters. Don't use it as an excuse to overstock though

Either the Koralia 2 or 3 would provide sufficient flow for B. striata, especially if you put lots of rounded stones of varying sizes in. You could look into Y. sidthimunki instead, a decent group of those would also suit a 3ft tank.

[random2]

Thanks for both the replies.

Im thinking of 2feet height as I can accommodate more rocks and wood (vertically), not in terms of stocking

Most probably will be getting Koralia 2. Im thinking of going for a rock and wood collection trip in around a week. Already have couple of pieces of wood and few coconut shells for caves.

regarding Y. Sidthimunki, Im looking more towards native species (of India) and thought of B.striata.

[Laura]

I've got a couple of 24" high tanks and while I like them for their extra volume, they can be more challenging to aquascape because of their height.

IME, low growing plants have a tougher time getting light and shorter folks can have trouble reaching the bottom of their tank - the height of the stand can affect this too.

[Bully]

.......regarding Y. Sidthimunki, Im looking more towards native species (of India) and thought of B.striata.

Makes perfect sense If you're lucky enough to catch them wild then take some photos, I'd love some pictures of the natural habitat

[random2]

Makes perfect sense If you're lucky enough to catch them wild then take some photos, I'd love some pictures of the natural habitat

I live quite far from their habitat (500+ miles) but have heard of their presence a bit nearer and will be checking one of the places, if I ever end up there or catch any of the loaches, will surely post information.

@Laura - Thanks for your views and yes the issues with height is of concern when it comes to plants. I have around 10-12hours to decide on it