Loaches Online Forum

New member here! Want to share progress of my 55g Himalayan rivertank setup. It bases on the biotope of the Teesta/Tista River in NE India. It has no fish at moment, because it still cycles. PVC pipe manifold built by me, with 2 Aquaclear 70 powerheads and Eheim 2217 filter. As for loaches, will probably use yoyo loach or a Schistura sp. Wanted Zipper Loaches, but they seem impossible to find.

The manifold. I cushion it with gravel underneath to avoid vibrations against glass.


Need to still add a few smaller plants (not much in this biotope), so light is off. Debate to use the 2 small logs or replace with one large one?


I have question about temperatures. The fish that I plan (also danios, an Indian torrent catfish and rosy barbs along with loaches) like cooler temps, but powerheads seem to heat water somewhat, so temp at 24 C at moment, but they prefer more 21/22 C in summer. This despite cooler air temps at moment (was 26 earlier). Not sure what to do?

Try just one powerhead, should be enough for that tank. I would also get larger sponges. Another option would be to nix the manifold and use something like the Koralia powerheads for water movement that generate less heat.

I looked at Koralia powerheads without manifold, but decided not to, because I wanted unidirectional flow with no backflow and a manifold seemed best way to achieve this. I have 2 powerheads, because that was recommended for better flow and I have seen used with 40g breeder tanks of same length. I could remove one and cap the pipe I guess (manifold is cemented together and weighed down with rocks, so it not go anywhere). Other aquarists use this identical setup with hillstream loaches, so there must be a way to correct the temps.

btw The sponges (and caps) are only temporary until I can find larger ones, but no success so far (recommendations?). Had no idea that they so small!

Different brand powerheads will vary. Wattage obviously makes a difference. I used aquaclear powerheads and had similar results. The only real fix that I can think of would be to invest in a chiller. Sponges can be found on most mail order sites if your shop doesn't carry them. I also found some nice ones at Home Depot in the garden/pond section.