Dither fish and current

[mellofone]

I currently have 4 small clown loaches. In efforts to make them as happy as possible, I am adding an Eheim Aquaball powerhead for some extra current. I wanted to add some dither fish, possibly rasboras or tetras. However, I was really unsure which of the two would like/take current better?

If neither, what other dithers should I look into?

[mikev]

It all depends on a particular species, one cannot generalize.

With Rasboras, I'm using Blackline Rasboras *in a high-current hillstream* tank with no problems, they school with WCMM's (similar colors, looks reasonably good). But I'd not try this with most other Rasbora species.
The situation with Barbs is similar: some are ok, some are not.
Sorry, I'm not into Tetras, but it is very likely that you'll see the same there.
Danios are most "current-compatible" overall, but even with them, some species are ok and some are not.

If you list particular species you consider, you probably will get a better answer.

[Mad Duff]

I have Rasbora Daniconius Daniconius, Rasbora Rasbora and Rasbora Semilineata in with my Clowns and they love the fast flow from the powerhead, there are also some Congo Tetras and Iguanodectes Spilurus in there which I am going to move soon but they love the fast flow equaly as much as the Rasboras.

[mellofone]

I was looking at either Harlequin Rasboras or possibly Tiger Barbs. As for Tetra's, I wasn't really sure yet as I am still doing as much searching as I can...

[helen nightingale]

i have a feeling that harlequins arent so keen on such very fast currents, as some can come from slow moving waters. i have seen pictures of several different types of harlequin from different areas, so some could be happier than others. but i could be wrong!

Mikev mentioned danios. when i got mine they spend ages swimming right near the filter outlet enjoying more current, and seem happy with lots of water movement.

[mikev]

harlequin -- I think Helen is correct and I also vaguely report some posts (maybe here, maybe on TFF) about real problems with keeping them in tanks with current. IMHO, they are also way too small to be with clowns, you should consider 2" fish. (I was considering harlequins for a hillstream tank, decided it is too risky.).

Tiger Barbs is a common option, they are of right size too. There are no reasons not to go with them if you like them. Make sure you have the right # and that you don't have too many males.

[shari2]

I just added a second filter to my 55 with the long finned danios and they do spend all their time in the current. On the other hand, they are NOT relaxing fish to watch. Very skitchy, twitchy movements.

Pretty, though...

[Martin Thoene]

[quote="mikev"]harlequin -- I think Helen is correct and I also vaguely report some posts (maybe here, maybe on TFF) about real problems with keeping them in tanks with current. IMHO, they are also way too small to be with clowns, you should consider 2" fish. (I was considering harlequins for a hillstream tank, decided it is too risky.)quote]

The Clowns would not be any problem with harlequins mike. Some of mine were kept by Dr Momfish before, and she bred lots of Dwarf Gouramis in the Clown tank. Clowns really are innofensive to other fish.

Now Harlequins......you'll find few more efficient hunters of small fry than them.

You could quite easily keep Harlequins in with Clowns UNLESS there's really a lot of current.

Martin.

[mikev]

Now Harlequins......you'll find few more efficient hunters of small fry than them.

Very interesting. Here goes my theory of rasboras being generally safe.

I did not mean that they will get hurt by clowns, only that the tank probably would look better with larger dither. (I first dithered 2" clowns with 1.5"-2" rasboras, now it is 4" clowns with 3" Danios -- this is ok, and I am bothering you with Rainbows is part because I would like 4"-5" dither for the time when the clowns grow next two inches.)

[Martin Thoene]

Yes, I hear you on the size relationship thing. I think my Tiger Barbs are more effective as Dithers with the Clowns as they're more visible to them and therefore reinforce the concept of it being safe to come out.

Martin.

[mellofone]

WOW. My loaches sure do love that Aquaball!

It doesn't seem to have as much current as I thought it would, only because it's pretty big. But it also does 2 levels of filtering, which can't hurt.

I rarely saw my loaches out of of their hiding spots and almost never saw them above the 1/2 water line when the lights are on. But since I added the Aquaball they sure do seem to love the current. Even moreso when the lights are off!

One of the 4 seems to have gone a bit goofy, however. It will rest on the bottom in a corner for a few moments, then swim up and down near the glass a few times, then almost jump out of the water. Rest and repeat. Is there something wrong?

My LFS was out of Tiger Barbs or I would have picked up a small school. I am also thinking of an Oto or two for a little extra cleaning...