Loaches Online Forum

I've been considering setting up a river tank a la MartinThoene principle whenever I have a suitable tank available. I have just got a freebie 100x40x50.
Currently my hillstream loaches (Gastro k, m, and c plus Sewellia l. are in a 100x30x40 community tank with all sorts of other placid fish. This tank has an internal filter and I blast current and oxygen via venturi across the base substrate. The loaches seem very happy.
I was wondering whether I should take this tank, since it is narrower, and convert it into a river tank for mainly loaches, and use the broader new one as my new community tank, or vice versa.
Anyone have thoughts?

Normally, we think of floor area being a big plus for loaches. Having recently moved my Sewellia from a shallow, wide tank to a taller, narrower tank of similar size, they're behaviour and demeanour is greatly improved. I think it's because the water-movement is more concentrated.

Martin.

So you are saying that given equal length, 100 cm, a 30 cm wide tank would be better for hillstreams rather than a 40 cm wide, since it concentrates the flow?

IME, yes. Emma's Sewellia breeding tank is fairly deep too, not so wide.

Martin.

Yes, FYI my River Tank where the Sewellia bred measures 36" long x 15" wide x 27" high.

Emma

Thanks folks. I'll keep you posted when I get around to the setup.