Loaches Online Forum

Hey everyone.
My new kubotai and striata are settling in nicely- they're eating everything I offer them, and they're out and active all day
I'm planning the setup in the big tank for them, and I'd appreciate some advice.

Since the tank is quite tall and narrow (12"x32"x21") I'm thinking it would be difficult to set up a good end to end flow, so I'm probably going to make the flow circular, with a manifold at the bottom sending water one way, and a spray bar returning water in the other direction at the top of the tank.

I'll probably go for an Eheim classic external filter, either the 2213 or 2215, but I'm not sure what size powerheads I should use for the manifold. Do striata and kubotai like the same kind of flow levels as clowns?
The tank's moving up to my bedroom, so can anyone recommend a quiet powerhead or air pump? I need my beauty sleep

Glad to hear that your kubs and sids are settling in nicely. I think that they very definitely like a lot of flow. I have kubs and sids in a 75 gallon tank with 3000 gph water movement (horizontal circular flow with two cannister filters and two Tunze pumps (these are very quiet)) and they both very much like to play in the current. They like to swim right into the current and also approach from the side and let it push them back.

There are so many ways and methods of creating a decent flow rate, but this comes down to one. The one is your preference. Use what filtration you can afford and fit's for own tank with easy maintenance.

Basically, you are on the correct tracks with loach care! The rest is your personal choice.

Cheers
I'll go for the biggest I can afford then. I've heard a lot of good things about Tunze, but they're a bit out of my price range at the moment.

Ive just got 7 powerheads off Ebay and they are brilliant, Ive got 1 in my Kubotai tank with a Fluval 4 and the same in the Sidi tank, I also have these in the river tank and there will be a couple going in the new 7ft.

They give very good flow and are a good price as well http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AQUARIUM-POWER-HE ... dZViewItem