Hillstream Loaches.

[Noahsfish]

Now that every things back on track with my aquariums thought I'd make a thread about hillstream loaches. From the first time I saw one I've always been intrigued when I see one pop up at the fish store or see an online picture. I'm not seriously considering getting one as I know they have specific needs, but it's just a thought. I was thinking of getting one for my 20 gallon, or do I need 2? 6? What about substrate, is sand fine? Do they have to have rock caves, I only have driftwood and plants. I know they need lots of oxygen, would a good amount of plants, an airstone, and a filter that pumps 120 gph (I think) be ok? Compatibility? 6 sterbai corycats and 6 cardinal tetras? I know they prefer the lower temperature spectrum so thats probably my biggest problem, would 78 be absolutely too high for them? Would sterbais be alright in 75? Is my water too soft with peat moss with a ph of 6.2 and a gh around 80ppm? Thanks

 

[Noahsfish]

No one?

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Hillstream Loaches generally need ~20C/68F with 10-20x real (not marketing blurb) turnover of water, including lots of water surface rippling to keep oxygen levels >8mg/l.
Their sociability varies from species to species, some do best as singletons whereas others do best in groups (at least 3, ideally 6+).
Some do fine on sand (although this will tend to be whipped into the striong current) but others will avoid it altogether, so at least a vast majority of the floor should be covered in a stable pebble/boulder complex.
 
Corydoras sterbai need at least 24C/75F, but do better closer to 26C/79F or and will have no issues being kept a little warmer for at least part of the year. At these temperatures, oxygen levels will not be good enough to support most "Hillstream Loaches" and the catfish will probably not be happy in such a strong current. In addition, the catfish need sand, which will be blown "all over the shop."
 
Cardinal Tetra have very similar needs to the catfish, so again not suitable.
 
Not a good combo.

 

[fluttermoth]

Just want to back NOTG up.
 
There are 'communities' you can do with hillstreams, but you'd need other temperate fish that like a lot of flow. WCMM or zebra/leopard/pearl danios would be a good choice, as long as your tank is three feet or longer.
 
But, not in your present set up; you'd be pushing both lots of fish into conditions that didn't really suit either of them. If you want hillstreams, you'll just have to get another tank

 

[Noahsfish]

Thanks guys, I'm not one to go on impulse because it normally ends up bad . Maybe I'll get another tank in a few months or move some things around and make a species only tank. Oh, and by the way, is 20gs fine for hillstreamloaches? I like the colorful ones like the reticulated. I know recommended is 30gs but would a 20g species tank be fine? Alright thanks maybe in a few months I'll be hopefully posting something about setting up a loach tank, anyways thanks.

 

[fluttermoth]

20g would be fine. I have mine in a 60l (although I don't have anything else with them).
 
They're not a very active fish, IME; short, fast hops and dashes rather than strong swimmers

 

[Noahsfish]

20g would be fine. I have mine in a 60l (although I don't have anything else with them).
 
They're not a very active fish, IME; short, fast hops and dashes rather than strong swimmers

Oh thanks, that's good to know. If you don't mind me asking, how do you have your tank setup? Do you use power heads? What type of filtration? Thanks.

 

[fluttermoth]

I have a sand substrate with some rocks; I did have a bit of bogwood and some anubias in there, but I took that out. I haven't got a camera atm, sorry
 
I just have a normal internal filter with sponge, but it's rated at 1000 lph and I've got it set so it's right at the surface; I get a lot of bubbles down at the far end, where I've got a slate stood on end, right in the flow and that's their favourite spot.

 

[Noahsfish]

Oh ok thanks I was wondereing if I could jet use a powerful HOB. I'm looking at the fluval c4, it's rated for 40-70gs and has a flowrate of 1000l.

 

[fluttermoth]

Hmmm. HOBs tend to point the flow downwards; you'd really want something that goes along the tank.

 

[Noahsfish]

Hmmm. HOBs tend to point the flow downwards; you'd really want something that goes along the tank.

What type of filter is that called? I really know nothing about filters except hobs, sponge filters, and canisters...

 

[fluttermoth]

An internal power filter, usually.