optimum size tank for...

[kaz]

Hello

I am in the process of rehoming some clown and yoyo loaches that I will not be able to provide adequate tank space for (unfortunately - they are being picked up on friday ). They will have the home they need to keep them happy and healthy and after 1 1/2 years I am going to be very sorry to see them go, even though I know they will be better off.

My question is.... can anyone suggest a loach sp that will be able to stay in a 100 litre tank approx 85cm long for good? (yes, I know , my poor lil clowns were far too cramped - they were due to be moved to my boyfriends 5ft tank, but we split up. The saga continued when I couldnt afford such a big tank myself followed by my car needing a new engine !which eventually cost me £1000 - leaving me very out of pocket) I will re-think other tanks MUCH further down the line now.

What is the optimum size tank for pangio kuhlii or Y. sidthimunki or N.Ornatus? I have read up and get contradicting information (60cm min, 20g min, 30g min, 12g etc - for the Y.sidthimunki in any case)

I may not get these dudes...just floating ideas around. I suppose Im hoping to soften the blow of losing such wonderful fish, by planning my future loaches. I do not want to re-home ever again.

Thanks for reading

Kaz

[Tinman]

Striatas and Sids stay small.

[Doc]

B.striata, Y.sidthimunki, Pangio species should be fine for most setups.

What other tankmates do you have and what type of filtration etc do you possess?

[Diana]

I would suggest fish smaller than about 3" for your tank. Relatively sedentary fish to 3" might work, but more active fish, keep them smaller.
Sids, Kuhlies, Zebras... these would work. Schisturas, other small ones, depending on set up.
Yes, what sort of water movement can you do, and what sort of look do you want?
You could do a small Hillstream set up, but go with smaller fish such as Schisturas, Darters (Darters are a group of Tetras that live in fast moving water), Danios and similar small fish. You would need roughly 2000 liters per hour water movement, set up like Martin's Hillstream manifold.
Slightly slower moving water, well planted, would work for the Loaches listed above, perhaps with a small school of Tetras, Barbs, or Rasboras.
100 liters = 26.4 American gallons, 85 cm long = 32".
This is not too far off of the 29 American gallon tank. (Which really does not hold 29 gallons)

[kaz]

B.striata, Y.sidthimunki, Pangio species should be fine for most setups.

What other tankmates do you have and what type of filtration etc do you possess?

Hello
Thank you for your replies everyone.

I have 1 dwarf cockatoo female cichlid, 1 false SAE, 5 pygmy corys, 2 otocinclus (I intend to increase the otos numbers soon)

I have 5 lampeye panchax and 5 pygmy corys in my Q tank at the moment.

I have a juwel tank (the old version of Rekord 800) with a 1000l/h powerhead and their standard internal filter. I have an extra powerhead from an old tank to give extra flow for the loaches. I can remove this when necessary.

Here is a picture of my set up a few months ago and a picture of it how it is now.









Thanks

Kaz

[shari2]

Lovely tank, kaz!

[kaz]

Lovely tank, kaz!

Thank you Shari

Im much happier with it how it is now, but will try and hide the tube at the front once ive caught and re-homed the clowns. It's in there to help catch them (har har - who am i kidding!) Ive NEVER had to catch them before - should be fun!

Thanks again.

Kaz

[Bully]

Nice looking tank

You have a few bottom dwellers already, and that would influence my choice some. I personally would look at Y. sidthimunki, they are more likely to provide better entertainment than perhaps B. striata would. Sids are more likely to shoal throughout the tank and not spend so much time on the bottom also, B. striata can get more reclusive as they mature. I have not kept loaches with Dwarf Cichlids so I cannot comment on their compatibility with your A. cacatuoides.

Both Maidenhead Aquatics in Radyr and Bridgend have stock of Y. sidthimunki. Bridgend had at least 20 the last time I was there, but they were very small, smaller than I've ever seen them for sale. There was about 9 in Radyr when I was there last Friday. MA @ Radyr also had some mature B. striata in so if either of those are close to you I would advise going to have a look

[kaz]

Nice looking tank

You have a few bottom dwellers already, and that would influence my choice some. I personally would look at Y. sidthimunki, they are more likely to provide better entertainment than perhaps B. striata would. Sids are more likely to shoal throughout the tank and not spend so much time on the bottom

Yes, I thought this too - too many bottom dwellers? because I would eventually be moving my other 5 pygmy corys into the main tank.

I havent had any problems with my cichlid and the loaches - she pretty much is 'top tank girl' anyhow

Thanks for advise on Maidenhead places - I will ponder some more and make sure I make the right decision - I am leaning towards the Y.Sidthimunki though

Kaz

[Bully]

Thanks for advise on Maidenhead places - I will ponder some more and make sure I make the right decision - I am leaning towards the Y.Sidthimunki though

Kaz

Be prepared to dig deep, I would always recommend a minimum of 6 and a group of six will set you back about £50. Well worth it in my opinion though

[kaz]

Yes, am prepared to pay They are wonderful!

Thank you

I will keep you posted