Help with adding Botia Striatas to 55 Gallon tank?

[ulthipster]

Hi all! I have a 55 gallon planted tank with 5 angelfish, 3 blue rams, 1 krib and a small (stays 5") whiptail cat and a bristlenose pleco.... Do you guys think it would be ok to add 3-5 botia striatas or angelicus loaches? My angels only "fight" among themselves when breeding but my b.n. is shy... I would add more hiding spots but as the plants grow in more they would add to shelter... Any thoughts or suggestions would be great.

Thanks!

[revhead]

Hi & welcome to the site.
A group of zebras or angelicus makes a
lovely addition to any community tank.
Go for it !!

[Diana]

As long as there are a few caves or other hiding places the Loaches should be fine. Mine do not bother the tankmates, including a Synodontis, several species of Rainbowfish and an African Brown Knife. There are caves and arcs of driftwood in there, as well as so many plants I cannot see the back of the tank. Plenty of room for all!

[Pixelated_Pirate]

I have had zebra (or zipper) loaches... botia striatas before. It got in a rather serious fight witha pleco once, with the spines out and everything. But other then that one time they were peacefull.... there a realy treat on the eyes with all their cool stripes.

[palaeodave]

As long as there are a few caves or other hiding places the Loaches should be fine. Mine do not bother the tankmates, including a Synodontis, several species of Rainbowfish and an African Brown Knife. There are caves and arcs of driftwood in there, as well as so many plants I cannot see the back of the tank. Plenty of room for all!

I think you should start a new thread to post pictures of your knifefish!

[ulthipster]

I appreciate the feedback. I guess it's tough to really know how any fish will act, like people, all have diff. personalities. One more question... is 3 too small and is 5 too many with the fish I already have?
Ok, I lied, also.... is it better to stick to all one type..i.e. striata's rather than 3 striatas and 3 angelicus (butonia-sp.?)?

Thanks again!

[ulthipster]

Ok, I just searched on the forums some more and found the answer I knew in my heart.... better to keep same species in a group to a tank... as far as the kubs and zebras. So now I guess, it's picking which... again, they all differ with personalities but reading enough that the zebras can be aggressive.... will 5 tend to be more aggressive as a group compared to 3?

[revhead]

Hi. If both the sp. your considering were available to me, i'd keep a group of both ! Loaches may squabble a little but will not do any real damage to each other. I have large growing tigers (berdmorei) with almorhae & no problems what so ever...

[ulthipster]

Thanks revhead! I actually just ordered 6 striatas! I have bio-spira so after the qt I can't wait to see the angel - loach interaction. I have an eheim 2026 setup and 1/2 of the tank is still, tried a few powerheads but they blow the hell outta the live plants and was hoping this filter would be enough.. any other suggestions for a nice not too strong current on the still half? I was hoping not to add anymore filters b/c the eheim was so pricey.

[crazy loaches]

Do you have a pic of your tank? Might be able to give a better suggestion if I saw the type of plants and the layout as well as the placement for the Eheim. I have a 2026 on my 45G and it does a wonderful job. But a 55 is a long skinny tank, not optimal for a single filter.

Hope you enjoy the Striatas!

[ulthipster]

I just took some photos, not great sorry.... and a little confusing with order of them but names make them understandable... see what you think and any advice is welcome!
http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb14 ... tehipster/