What do you guys think of this tank idea?

[tear-scar]

I've been thinking of putting together a betta tank, because I think it's a fish that deserves attention from every hobbyist at least once. I know I could go with something simple like a bowl or 2-5 gallon tank with just the betta, but that isn't to my taste, sorry.

Anyway, here's the tank idea I've come up with:

10 gallon long tank
dark rounded gravel
large piece of slate either in the middle, or propped against the right side
create a lawn of riccia around the slate, and covering the rest of the aquarium floor
maybe take some cuttings from the water sprite in my 5 gallon to make floating plants (shade for betta)

The fish:
1 Betta Splendens
3 Chain/Zebra/Coolie Loaches (also considering red finned botia?)
1-2 Hill Stream Loach
Also considering putting in some WCMM as I've heard that bettas don't mind them?

Normally I'd go with cories/oto over the loaches because I have more experience with them and they're a little easier to get, but I thought I might stick with the asian theme. What do you guys think?

 

[Puffer_freak]

Sounds good, but, sorry if I sound like a simpleton, but what are WCMM. Sorry, its probably something just I don't know. ) ) )

 

[tear-scar]

White Cloud Mountain Minnow, you probably do know em.

 

[clutterydrawer]

I was pretty sure hillstream loaches like cold, fast flowing water, which wouldn't make them compatible with bettas...but if you've researched it and found different, then go for it. im sure the betta will appreciate the space.

 

[David]

I might be wrong, but isn't 10 gallons a bit too small for 3 kuhli loaches? I have absolutely no idea but from what I gather they can get quite long.

 

[cat.fish]

kuhli loaches only get to about 4 inches in size

 

[clutterydrawer]

It's true. They're only 4 inches and only maybe 1/4" thick.

 

[parker313]

Change the 10g to a 20g and I think it would be much better. 10g is kinda small for that many fish...

 

[tear-scar]

I've heard similar about the hill stream. Hmm . . . would that mean it would need a filter with a powerful jet?

Then they would be incompatible with beta. In aquarium conditions though, I don't know if strong jet vs no strong jet would affect the loach's life-style. As for the temperature, it's tropical in Hawaii. The water isn't going to be a good cold-cool water environment heater or no. The loach will have to deal with the heat no matter who it belongs to here. I promise I will only get them if they're available at LFs.

Parker, you sure it's not enough room? There's only 5-6 fish in there. At max khoolie size, and even assuming I get biggest species of hill stream, that's about 18 inches of fish. Not even 2" per gallon. Plus khoolies should really be considered small fish as they are so skinny. With heavy riccia growth, I can keep oxygenation high.

In any case it might be a good idea to slightly over-stock a little, so more algae will grow --> hill stream food.

 

[parker313]

Yeah, but if you go with the 20, you can add in the WCMM for sure and they would be a neat addition to the bottom dweller loaches

 

[Gill]

Ummm Some Kuhlis Loaches can Get way Bigger than 4 Inches.

My LFS has Some which are over 7 Inches, but these are the Black 1's.

 

[clutterydrawer]

I've heard similar about the hill stream. Hmm . . . would that mean it would need a filter with a powerful jet?

Then they would be incompatible with beta. In aquarium conditions though, I don't know if strong jet vs no strong jet would affect the loach's life-style. As for the temperature, it's tropical in Hawaii. The water isn't going to be a good cold-cool water environment heater or no. The loach will have to deal with the heat no matter who it belongs to here. I promise I will only get them if they're available at LFs.

You might wanna ask Cheese Specialist about them, I beleive she used to havea species tank for them.

 

[tear-scar]

parker-- point taken on the WCMMs

Right now I have an extra ten gallon lying around though, and I'm using it as an excuse to get the betta. XD

I'll see if I can get a bigger tank some day so I can get WCMMs too.

cluttery-- ok, I'll ask