Best type of filter for loaches

[raecarrow]

I will be getting two new tanks soon that will probably be in the range of 20 gallons to 45 gallons (all long of course). I've heard that Kuhlies like slower moving water, I intend to house them with my guppies, and my botias (zebra and yoyo) like faster moving water and they will be housed in the other tank (I will probably get more species of botia, or other loaches that like faster water, to go in this tank as well).

What is the best type of filter to use in these different setups? I am partial to undergravel filters for my guppies as they will not eat babies (by eat I mean suck up and kill) like power filters. However, I don't think that undergravel filters would work well with sand that is recommended for use with loaches (BTW where do you find freshwater sand? The only sand I can find in my LFS is saltwater sand). Also, I don't think power filters will provide enough current for the botias. I've heard of "river tanks" in other threads but I've no seen them shown for the size tanks I will be getting

So, honestly, what would be the best way to do these setups?

Thanks in advance,

[lf11casey]

For the kuhli and guppy tank you could use sponge filters. I just set up a 20gl long, for kuhlies and guppies, that I'm using 2 sponge filters in. One is rated for up to 45gls and the other up to 25gls. Each running in one back corner.
You can still do a river tank manifold, it would of course just be with different length piping. I haven't set up a manifold before so other people on the forum would beable to advise you better then me.
You can find sand at a pool store, or depending on where you live Lowe's or Home Depot or store like those. Some people have found childrens play sand to work. I was lucky enough to find sand at my LFS, they actually carry it for people who have reptiles that prefer a sand substrate. Just make sure it's not one of the new sands that they add stuff to, can't remember what it's called off the top of my head, if you try that option.

[Diana]

Pool filter sand is graded so most of the particles are a uniforn size. This allows more water movement through the substrate, and reduces the chances of anaerobic areas building up.
Play sand is mixed particle sizes and can cloud the water, and pack down, reducing water movement and encouraging anaerobic areas.

Blasting sand is a good one, too. It is graded for size.

Check in masonry yards, rock yards and soils places. They will have a wide range of sands that will work. You can usually take a sample home and test it yourself: Shake up some sand in a jar of water and see how fast it settles out. The longer it lingers suspended in the water the worse it is.

A sponge filter is safe for fry, and you can set up a river tank manifold for slower moving water by using just one sponge, and a relatively small powerhead. I have done this in a 20 gallon long tank (30" long) and it works very well. I have Endlers and Darters in there.
For the larger tank read the article here about how to build a river tank manifold. They are not sold in stores.

UGFs are not good, and are especially not good when you are keeping burrowing fish.

[raecarrow]

Yeah, I read that my Kuhlies are especially in danger because they could burrow under the UGF and get stuck. What should I do with them for now? All I have is my 10 gallon with the UGF and the 5.5 hospital tank (with no lid), with a over the back filter with a sponge over the intake, and only a few decorative marbles on the bottom (no extra substrate so that the tank is easier to clean should there be a virulent infection or disease that crops up). I don't have the money to get a new setup right now. Should I just cross my fingers and hope for the best while having the Kuhlies and other loaches in the tank with the UGF (I have created little crevices for them to hide by leaning rocks against the tank wall and I have a cave rock formation. They all seem to be very happy hiding in these places) or should I get something new ASAP. I know if I did get something new, I would have to wait for it to cycle first.

I'm confused, what should I do?

[Diana]

You are running the UGF with either power heads or bubblers. The same power can be sued to run sponge filters. Easy to adapt over, too.

I would pull the UGF from the 10 and use whatever you are powering it with to run sponge filters.

Keeping the 5 bare bottom is very good for a q-tank. HOB (Hang On Back) filter with a sponge over it is generally safe for fry. Some fish like swimming upstream and can get into the filter box. This is not usually a problem, just the horror of "My fish is missing!" Then returning him to the tank.

[raecarrow]

The main thing is that I just got this tank so the levels are constantly stable, I also want to continue running this tank for my fry to mature in when I get larger tanks. Another thing, I'm not in a situation right now where it would be advisable to pull apart a tank (3rd floor, 220sq ft studio apartment). I do have another place I have just started leasing and I will move my tanks once I have painted (want to get rid of the fumes first).

Any thoughts?