Kuhlii Loaches and Silica Sand

[krazykat]

Hi everyone! I have a 90 gallon discus show tank in which I used four inches of white silica sand for substrate. I have vallisnerias and various swordplants in it and so far they seem to be establishing themselves. I have several root tabs around the base of each clump of plants as these are heavy root feeders and the silica sand does not do anything towards feeding them. I know that over time, the swordplants will establish a strong root system that should help prevent anaerobic pockets but in the meantime I would like to consider getting some kuhliis as tankmates. I am concerned whether the silica sand would be too sharp for the kuhliis. I think they will love the depth of the sand and their digging activities should also help prevent the buildup of anaerobic pockets. I am also considering adding some MTS to the tank - the loaches should help keep the population under control. Anyone have experience with a similar setup? I would appreciate it if you shared your experience and thoughts on this. Thanks!

[starsplitter7]

I use pool filter sand, and I don't know what that is in relation to the sand ou use.

The Kuhlies won't be able to devour the MTS, but I like MTS and they don't get out of control if you don't overfeed. If I start getting a few too many I scoop them out and put them in the clown tank. I am pretty sure my Synodontus euruptus also eat them.

I also keep Horsefaced loaches which I never see, since they are in the sand, and my eels spend a lot of time in the sand. I really like HF loaches. Great faces and personalities when they do come out. They do not bother my plants.

[NancyD]

My kuhlis don't dig in sand or eat snails. You can use something like a chopstick to poke down into the sand. I like trumpet snails but between my soft water & other loaches I can't keep them well.

[zenins]

I use pool filter sand and the kuhlis love it, especially if there is a piece of wood laying on the sand, they will excavate a home under the wood