One or two groups, and group size?

[Dutch]

I have just bought an aquarium that I want to use as a Loach specific tank and have a pretty good idea what I want in it, but the question is of course.. What is the best option?
The tank is 110cm x 45cm(depth) x 58cm(hight). (It's a Ferplast Cayman 110 of 230 liters/60 gallons)
I was thinking about two groups; one group of 6 Botia histrionica and the other a group of 6 Botia almorhae. Are these group sizes possible in my tank size?
The other option is one larger group of Botia histrionica, but I think the maximum group size might be about 8, or is more possible with this Botia? It's supposed to become a Loach specific tank, so there should be an interesting number of loaches in it in order for the extra fish to stay just that, extra.

[Dutch]

Almost forgot. Does anyone have experience with the Ferplast's internal filter? Would it be suitable with its 900l/h pump? Or would a stronger external filter be preferable?

[palaeodave]

Don't know anything about the filter etc but with loaches, generally, stronger is better.

I reckon 6 histies would be fine but instead of going for yoyos, maybe a group of 8 striata?

[Dutch]

Why striata? Because of their smaller size?
I like the look of the yoyo better, although striata might create a nice balance in the tank.

[kimura]

i was thinking of setting up another 60 gallon myself and was thinking of histironicas and yoyos to help destock a tank some. i absolutely love histies for their character. another good option could be histironicas and kubatai since they look similair when young, grow to about the same size and come from the same region i believe. the histies grow much faster tho but eventually the kubs would catch up. my two favorite loaches......

[bslindgren]

Why striata? Because of their smaller size?
I like the look of the yoyo better, although striata might create a nice balance in the tank.

I can't say enough about striata - great fish. Another great option is kubotai, which may be more appealing in terms of looks. But how can you not like this:

[Dutch]

Kubotia is a really nice Loach too. That's I think the problem, I like almost all Loaches (althought I'm not a big fan of the serpentine Loaches like Pangio's).
Histrionica is for certain, we have some in an (ornamental) aquarium at the lab and I love watching them. The second group is not certain, also because I want the tank to balance out nicely. Happy fish = Happy me

I can't say enough about striata - great fish. Another great option is kubotai, which may be more appealing in terms of looks. But how can you not like this:

Don't get me wrong, I like striata. It's a really nice Loach, but I prefer the slighty bolder markings like on the histrionica and yoyo.

[palaeodave]

I have five yoyos in a 180ltr tank and I'm afraid to say that I think it just might be a bit too small for them. My flatmate has kubotai and histies in a tank together and it's a really fantastic mix. Not only do they look great together, their temperaments are much more compatible.

[Botia Robert]

The Botia species of Loach are really attractive and you have mentioned some really good species here.
Something I have learnt here at LOL is that Yo Yo's are a little boisterous and a little fiesty as far as Botia Loaches go. Also they prefer more swimming space than other B. Loaches of similar size.
Given this, I would say Histies are a good choice, they are peaceful, active and sociable. You could keep more than 6 of these if you wanted.
If you want another Loach Species I would suggest Kubotai. They are awesome, peaceful active and attractive!
Keep your tank size in mind. You could go for Striata as they are smaller but I think (?) you get better results when they are kept in slightly larger schools.
I know its hard to make a choice Botia Loaches are great. Just start collecting tanks!!

[Tinman]

Dutch,The Almorhae dim with time. Striata or Dario will stay bold in coloration. The filter you spoke of at 900 l. an hour or so internal is similar to what I use as a surface aggitator specifically with no sponge in it to keep the flow high and airation at max. It is not near enough alone for loaches.
Almorhae will dissapoint at full grown if you like bold coloring.
A filter sized for a 800l./285 gallon is closer to your requirements. I would place 2 smaller cannisters at each end sized for a tank about 150gal/650 l. to get you flowing and let you clean one a week that way....You should be at 3000-3800 liters per hour flow or 14-20 x's hour in my experiance

[Dutch]

So the yoyo's are not the best option. That leaves me with striata, dario or kubotai. That's only three, should be easy to pick one out... uhhhh .... uhhhh

I think so far I like the idea of kubotai and histionica best. Two groups of 6.

Tinman, would an Eheim prof II 2026 or 2028 do? It would be a big investment for me (I'm a poor student), but I think I could manage. I would just have to look if the Ferplast will allow an external filter.

[mickthefish]

hi dutch
instead of the Ehiem pro you have an equivalent filter thats actually made in holland it's called Aqua- pro4,
ive had one running my tank for 4 yrs now and i'm very pleased with it's performance.
it uses 35watts and has an output of 1100 ltrs per hour.
its design is based on a ehiems.
hope this helps

mick

[newshound]

I have five yoyos in a 180ltr tank and I'm afraid to say that I think it just might be a bit too small for them. My flatmate has kubotai and histies in a tank together and it's a really fantastic mix. Not only do they look great together, their temperaments are much more compatible.

i strongly agree on this point

[palaeodave]

I have five yoyos in a 180ltr tank and I'm afraid to say that I think it just might be a bit too small for them. My flatmate has kubotai and histies in a tank together and it's a really fantastic mix. Not only do they look great together, their temperaments are much more compatible.

i strongly agree on this point

...that my tank is too small for yoyo's or that kubs and histies are great together?

[Dutch]

Thanks for the tip Mick!
I've seen them before, they're made by Superfish and cost almost half of an equivalent Eheim. That's why I didn't know if they were a good option, but it's nice to hear a positive experience.
They also have an aqua-pro SP 4 which is more expensive, but maybe it has some advantages over the aqua-pro 4.

I might visit the local aquarium store this weekend to see if they can order the Loaches book, I'll ask them about the Superfish filters. (Although I'm sure they'd prefer to sell an Eheim.)