Loaches Online Forum

Higher temps = less oxygen

Well, I haven't "heard" Fran's video, our tv is on. But hopefully I'll hear soon & have opinions on both her & loachnoob's oxygen thoughts. An interesting topic!

I kept 6 striatas with 8 or 10 sids in a 4ft 75g. The zebras were a bit more shy of people. The 2 species divided themselves into 2 groups, 3 striatas & 4 or 5 sids in each group. 1 larger female of each species per group. I think the other 4 striatas were male, but there were some less chubby femal...

Great job! I like the rustic look too. It probably looks good with your "mountain" home. I applaud your DIY bravery too...I'm not there yet, lol.

I wouldn't worry too much, Fran. In a condo, you likely have side neighbors & at least 1 either over or under neighbor as well. That can slow temp drop...& as long as the temp drop is slow, your fish "should" be ok. Don't worry, your tank will likely be ok over 8-10 hours. I don't blame you for bein...

I like the color of those sands but they still seem too fine. 20 mesh is the pool filter sand I've used. It says on that site that's 85mm but the red flint "pool sand" is 45-55mm. I think you'll be disappointed. I also used a 1 "grade" pool sand once, it was finer than 20 mesh...OK for some tiny dig...

Fran, the filter size doesn't matter as much as how often you need clean it to remove "gunk" build up that will clog up any media, reduce flow & may, like LL said, cause a reverse of the usual nitrification processes. Instead of buying a new "miracle product" from a YouTube shill (I'm skeptical!), m...

I don't think there in an "inappropriate" place to post new threads that effect loaches in anyway...anymore...There's not the site traffic here there used to be … but still it's my go to site for all things loachy.

Basil, your Dario looks ok; your sid a bit thin. (both pics are sideways unless they're tail standing, lol) I'm very sorry you're having extreme water issues. Frankly I'm be concerned about people using your water...let alone fish. Well water can be much more variable than "city" or "county" as a wa...

Fran, I use 2 HOB filters & a Maxijet 1200 powerhead in my "river-ish" 55g tank with hillstream loaches. The surface is quite rippled from the flow. You can aim the powerhead return toward the surface to get that effect. You tank is twice as wide front to back than mine. Try 1 PH, you can always add...

Well, I'd like to see both your tanks! Basil & Soulmover, I miss my sids! Please post a pic or 2 if you can. I want to see!

Fran, to me "adequate oxygenation" involves a lot of surface movement. I've never tested for oxygen levels nor do I feel the need, if there is nice rippling surface water movement all the time. The problem I see with only an airstone is "wimpy" surface agitation. The bubbles don't do all that much.....

Danios would be fine, as would white clouds or Vietnamese white clouds. You could also look at small barbs (octozona or hexazonas) or dwarf rainbows. I even kept dennisoni barbs with zebra loachs.

Fran, in some ways that hierarchy will always exist with most loaches & some other fish too (tetras come to mind). That's why more fish in a "shoal" is better, any bullying is spread out. That's part of the "rule" of 5 or 6 of a species as a minimum is golden. You can have success in smaller numbers...

I used to feed a raw or cooked shrimp once in a while for a treat but it can be messy too. I used a long skewer to both hold it down & make removal of SOME of the leftovers easier. Again, before a WC. I also used to make a raw seafood mix for my discus juveniles & shared it with loaches. It had clam...