Kuhlis and PH level

I was hoping to add a school of kuhli's to my 50 gal but according to the profile they prefer pH in the range of 6-7. The pH in my area is pretty high. My readings are usually around 7.8 give or take .2. I also read that people have kept them in higher pH's with success.

Just wanted to get some advice and for anyone who has kept them in higher pH's did you do anything special for them to adjust?

Thanks for the help.

 

I've had kuhlis live for well over a year in my 8.2+ water, and they seem to be happy. I haven't seen them recently, but there are times when they'll only come out at night, and I may go a month or more without seeing them. Then, one day I'll walk by and see one draped over a crypt leaf.

 

As long as you acclimate them when you add them to your tank they will be fine

I've got 22 in a 75 gallon at 7.8 and have had for several years
Carol

 

Well whaddya know? Drop a Serra catfish chip in, and out come the kuhlis. So we're looking at two years here.

 

Well whaddya know? Drop a Serra catfish chip in, and out come the kuhlis. So we're looking at two years here.

Omega One shrimp pellets do it for me LOL Talk about a KulI convention!
Carol

 

Thanks guys. How many do you think a 50 gallon can hold? Current occupants are 9 rainbows and many MTS. I still plan on getting a BN pleco... maybe a couple SAE's (true ones). Also, I will QT them in a 10 gallon. Can I get the entire school at the same time or would you suggest getting them in stages?

thanks again.

 

I would say 10 or 12 due to their small bioload. No sae's(just my opinion) just a bristlenose. The bristlenose will leave them alone.

They will need lots of hiding/sleeping places to feel secure. Due to the size of the tank you could get them all at once. But if you're going to quarantine them in a 10 gallon get half then the other half.
Carol

 

do the Kuhli's eat MTS?

 

do the Kuhli's eat MTS?

No unfortunately they don't. Mostly the Botia type loaches(those with pointed snouts)
Carol

 

Thanks Butterfly! That’s ok, I wasn't necessarily wanting them to although if a 'few' went missing that would be fine as well.

Another question, I’ve read other post regarding the KuhlI burring itself in the substrate. Now, I have ecocomplete so I’m not sure if they will bury themselves in this type of substrate but if so, how do they fair with gravel cleaning? I would be worried that I would unknowingly push the vacuum tube down into the gravel where they are buried...???

 

Althought I've heard others talk about their Kuhlis burying them selves mine don't ( or I haven't seen them do it) If your vacuuming and swishing the siphon around most likely they will be long gone
Carol

 

Butterfly, as I have no experience with bn I've tried to read up on them. For the most part I've read they are peaceful to other fish, however I've read a few post saying they can be aggressive during feeding time. Have you had this experience? Since I will be feeding the Kuhli's sinking food will the bn allow them to eat or will he/she guard any food (ie wafers, pellets)?

are albinos more peaceful or are the browns and albinos the same in temperment?

also (sorry lots of questions), my lfs says the bristlenose gets up to 8 inches. everything i've read says up to 5??

 

I have Bristlenose and Kuhlis together and they are both hysterical at feeding time My Kuhlis get all excited and swim all over the tank then they settle down and nibble a pellet here and there but mostly the dig in the sand or sift it through their gills.

Bristlenose do love their food but as I drop food in both ends of the tank there is food for everyone and aggression doesn't rear it's ugly head
Don't think I've ever seen an 8 inch bristlenose. The largest is usually about 6 inches, most a little smaller.

I've not noticed any difference in the behaviour between albino or brown bristlenose. Sometimes they will be pushy with each other but no damage done.
Carol

 

I had asked this question under the pleco section but have not gotten an answer:: Are BN's good at cleaning plants or do they do best with the glass and drift wood?