Annadvn

I bought a used 125g marine tank and am converting it to a freshwater Clown Loach tank. I have built a CPVC frame inspired by the river manifold, and have filled the extra bottom area with eggcrate. I am using sand from Lowes as substrate, with natural sandstone(?), hardy live plants, and driftwood providing decor. The tank is being cycled with the help of assorted "used" fish from other tanks and bio-spira.

I have a Magnum 350, Fluval FX5, and a pair of Aquaclear 70 powerheads for water flow and filtration. I may add an unused penguin bio-wheel 200 or 350 as well.

My plan for stocking:

6 - Clown Loaches
6 - Kuhli/Horseface Loaches (please advise)
6-10 - Beaufortia kweichowensis (recommendations on numbers?)

and a combination of two of the following five species:

6 - Boesemani rainbows
6 - Melanotaenia Praecox Dwarf rainbows
6 - Tinfoil Barbs(including a 10" in another tank)
6 - Angels
6 - Scissor Tail Rasboras

Which two species would work out best?

I have plans to increase tank size in the next 5 or so years. Maybe look for a 200g+ ;)

-Anna

Butterfly

Is this kind of what you have in mind ? http://www.loaches.com/articles/my-c...20loach%20tank I love loaches and have kept many species down through the years.

The Kuhlis or horse head loaches sound fine with the clowns but would have more Kuhlis in that size tank. I really can't recommend Beaufortia kweichowensis with the clowns as their water temp requirements are very different. The clowns need 78-83F and the hillstreams need 68-75F. the cooler temps were better in my experience since they needed highly oxygenated water, and cooler water retains more O2 .
I have kept angels with Clowns(pics in gallery) and they were amazing together. always a contest to see who could steal whos food
The rainbows would be awesome in that tank if their not skittish, clowns have a way of being boisterous that would keep a tank stirred up if the tank mates are nervous.
Danios are good dithers for clowns and there are many beautiful ones out there. Roseus, Choparae and Kerri are just a few that are awe inspiring in large schools.
Carol

Annadvn

Thankyou Butterfly,

If i go with the kulhi loaches how many would you suggest?

I will stick with the common pleco i have for the time being and do more research on loaches for algae control in the future.

I think im going to go with 6 Boesemani rainbows, and a 11" tin foil barb (i all ready have) and possibly add some angels if i can find some i like.

Thanks for your advice

anna

Annadvn

Oh, thanks for the link. I have been drooling over this set up for a while now!!

I have 6 clown loaches in quarantine at present in a 90gal (took the common residents out so i knew it was stable for water parameters).

anna

Butterfly

Welcome as always
I would suggest 12-18 Kuhlis at least, their bioload is really low.
Beaufortia kweichowensis aren't good for algae control, they eat the little critters that grow in the algae as well as shrimp pellets, blood worms and flake if it falls to the bottom. Again they need cooler temps.
I love clown Loaches and envy you room for six. They are really cool in large groups.
Carol

Annadvn

One other thing i have just remembered..

would it be ok to have some ghost or cherry shrimp in the tank with the clowns and kulhis?

or would it make a good snack?

Anna

Butterfly

The Clowns would love a live shrimp snack
carol