Loaches Online Forum

Hi,

I've seen these for sale and i'm hopefully going to get them(Depending on price, yet to email the place).
They would go in the 5' with weather loaches danios, rainbows and black lined loaches at 22*C.
Normal flow but i will add a powerhead, from other sources a hillstream set-up isn't mentioned?
Everything sound OK? my main worry is that they will bully the weather loaches or eat some of the smaller danios.

David

When Leptobotia guilinensis are ordered, more often than not it is Sinibotia pulchra that actually turn up. These are a really lovely species, beautiful and of a peaceful temperament. Mine never ever showed any interest in harming other (smaller) species. They are very streamlined and definitely appreciate good current though, probably faster than what the Weather Loaches would like long term. Personally I think a large river tank would serve them best. However, in a good sized tank there may be ways of working around this by the placement of powerheads in some regions of the tank to create areas of high flow, and bogwood/rock barriers to create calmer areas in other parts of the tank. You would also want to maximise the amount of aeration with lots of movement at the water's surface.

Emma

I can't wait for side-by-side comparisons on these two. Mark emails Emma a big hint!

Hint received!

And guess what, I've got 50 more of those Leptobotia/Sinibotia coming in tomorrow night, so over the weekend I'll have to hold a loachy photo fest.

Oooooooooo!!

Looking forward to the pictures.

Emma Turner wrote:Hint received!

And guess what, I've got 50 more of those Leptobotia/Sinibotia coming in tomorrow night, so over the weekend I'll have to hold a loachy photo fest.

Just what we need to increase our jealousy level.

It is hard for me too - so many wonderful loaches less than a mile from my house (that's how close the shop is) and not enough room for more tanks here....

There is something to be said for moderation, too... Keeping a small number of species well and keeping your tank-work-commitment realistic is probably better for your mental and physical health than scooping up every loach that comes along.

I'm down to two smallish tanks. I love loaches and fish keeping, but I must say I like the relatively minimal amount of maintenance work, too.

We all want to be zoo keepers!

Emma Turner wrote:When Leptobotia guilinensis are ordered, more often than not it is Sinibotia pulchra that actually turn up.

Either way i would be over the moon.

However, in a good sized tank there may be ways of working around this by the placement of powerheads in some regions of the tank to create areas of high flow, and bogwood/rock barriers to create calmer areas in other parts of the tank. You would also want to maximise the amount of aeration with lots of movement at the water's surface.

Funny, i actually was thinking about that a few months ago and actually came up with a small plan,



I think i would move the big piece of bogwood over the the left a little more though.
Hmm, i think i'll ask my lfs first to see if they could order some, probably cheaper than the other not so local fish store.
I really do love sinibotia, just hope my lfs can get some.

David

Mark in Vancouver wrote:There is something to be said for moderation, too... Keeping a small number of species well and keeping your tank-work-commitment realistic is probably better for your mental and physical health than scooping up every loach that comes along.

I'm down to two smallish tanks. I love loaches and fish keeping, but I must say I like the relatively minimal amount of maintenance work, too.

We all want to be zoo keepers!

I find this a great note (for generic application). It´s not the amount of loaches, it´s the devotion and enjoyment of each individual fish that makes happy. And that´s sometimes easier done with less fish. Sometimes less, is more.
They are pets and not collection items, I guess I´m writting this to myself, so I see it in writting and hope it helps setting my mind.