Loaches Online Forum

Long time lurker here. I recently purchased a Sewellia Lineolata after the store owner had assured me it was a type of pleco...I should have known better, but anyway. I have been in awe of how cool he is since I got him home, even my wife thinks he's cool. I can stand there and just watch him tool around. Its also funny to watch him stare down my 4" L137 when its zucchini time. So I want to start a dedicated tank for a group of them. I don't have a ton of space in my place and want to do it with the Mr. Aqua 13 long, it measures 35.4″ x 8.3″ x 9.4″. I am going to try a mini version of this http://www.loaches.com/articles/river-t ... old-design with small powerheads and sponges. Plenty of rocks, plants and wood for them to hide and socialize on. Before I move ahead, any concerns about what I am trying?

Thanks!

Gith

Have you ever considered using a 20 gallon long tank instead? They are 30" x 12" x 12", so it wouldn't occupy a much larger footprint than your nano tank. It would also give you more room to build the manifold system, and even more importantly, more room for the fish.

Thought of doing the 20L route, but I like the 36" length. Hmmmmm...maybe I'll have the local glass guy cut me some pieces and make a custom size tank. When I get this going I'll post pics.

There are several standard sizes that are 36" long, starting with a 30 gallon at 36x12x16.

Here is a good list of standard US tank sizes, if you are interested:

http://www.badmanstropicalfish.com/foru ... ic=15978.0

Of course, a custom tank would be fun to construct. No matter which route you go, please share some pics with us.

The bigger the tank footprint the better for a river/hillstream type set up. It lets you create a more natural stream type flow. That being said, a 20L will work.

Is it the front to back depth that's the issue? Weight of the tank? 36 vs 30 inches isn't much, but tank volume, 13 gallons vs 20 or more..."breeder" tanks are 3 ft by 15 or 18 inches, 30+ gallons...do you have room?