Search found 3321 matches

by Diana
Fri May 18, 2018 9:10 pm
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Help me build the perfect loach tank
Replies: 67
Views: 41529

Re: Help me build the perfect loach tank

A branch that arcs over might work. Yes, it needs to touch the bottom, but if it is the right shape it could be stabilized by touching an upper part of the tank walls. Then it would stay in place, and give the Loaches something to investigate higher up. Anubias and Java fern will grow on a branch li...
by Diana
Wed May 16, 2018 8:17 pm
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Sand for loaches?
Replies: 13
Views: 11370

Re: Sand for loaches?

Some fish can take sand into their mouth, take out food (perhaps worms or whatever was hidden in the sand), then spit the sand back out, either through the mouth, or through the gills. I am not sure which (or both?) loaches can or will do. I would not be surprised if some sand gets eaten in this pro...
by Diana
Wed May 16, 2018 12:19 am
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Sand for loaches?
Replies: 13
Views: 11370

Re: Sand for loaches?

Sounds like a product I get in bulk here, also sold for pavers. The material I got also needed a lot of washing, then turned into a pretty nice looking substrate with mixed sizes of tiny pebbles down to coarse sand.
It is called Top Sand.
by Diana
Sun May 13, 2018 5:17 pm
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Powerheads/Wavemakers with a feed mode
Replies: 3
Views: 3822

Re: Powerheads/Wavemakers with a feed mode

I do not turn off any water movement when I feed. The scattering of the food seems to give the fish something to chase, and separates it so a bossy fish cannot gobble it all.
by Diana
Sun May 13, 2018 12:18 am
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Sand for loaches?
Replies: 13
Views: 11370

Re: Sand for loaches?

I have had Yoyo Loaches 'swim' through the sand, completely hidden. Others that quite freely use the substrate include Kuhlies, Weather (Dojo) and Horsehead Loaches. I had one Clown Loach very carefully excavate down to the bottom of the tank through about 2" of rounded fine gravel. Fun watching him...
by Diana
Sat May 12, 2018 3:23 am
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Help me build the perfect loach tank
Replies: 67
Views: 41529

Re: Help me build the perfect loach tank

Tannins are not a problem for Loaches, just do enough water changes to keep the water as clear as you want. Some woods produce more tannins than others, but as long as you can see into the tank a little tint is not a problem. I have had some wood that stained the water the deep red color of wine. Co...
by Diana
Thu May 10, 2018 7:35 pm
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Help me build the perfect loach tank
Replies: 67
Views: 41529

Re: Help me build the perfect loach tank

I agree- a week or more at warm temperatures would wipe out most Ich varieties due to lack of host. But the idea of taking media (or anything) from the established tank is to speed up the fishless cycle. This means fish may be added sooner, perhaps before all the Ich has died. Black background: Bath...
by Diana
Wed May 09, 2018 9:46 pm
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Help me build the perfect loach tank
Replies: 67
Views: 41529

Re: Help me build the perfect loach tank

Since you have been dealing with Ich, I would avoid taking anything from the 55. The fishless cycle will take 3 weeks if you start with NO added bacteria. It can be complete in just a few days if you add something like Tetra Safe Start or Dr. Tim's One and Only. Exact time to complete with one of th...
by Diana
Wed May 09, 2018 8:46 am
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Sand for loaches?
Replies: 13
Views: 11370

Re: Sand for loaches?

I would not put gravel under the sand. The loaches are not just skimming through the top of the substrate, they are burrowing all the way through. I would not use very much gravel at all. Make the tank represent a stream with a sandy bottom, maybe a few cobbles (3-5") and some pebbles here and there...
by Diana
Tue May 08, 2018 7:57 pm
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Powerheads
Replies: 14
Views: 10431

Re: Powerheads

RUGF: Reverse Under Gravel Filter. To aim the water flow into what is normally the up tubes of an under gravel filter. Water is spread out under the plates and flows up through the substrate. Goal: keeps debris out of the substrate and enhances the water flow so the gravel works at an enhanced rate ...
by Diana
Sun May 06, 2018 10:20 pm
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Help me build the perfect loach tank
Replies: 67
Views: 41529

Re: Help me build the perfect loach tank

If you want 2 filters on a 125 gallon tank, you could use 2 of the Aquaclear 110. These are hang on back filters, but do not use cartridges, they are the next size up from your Aquaclear 70. LOTS of room for media of your choice. I like to keep the big sponge, then add some finer mechanical media an...
by Diana
Fri May 04, 2018 8:33 pm
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Do hillstream loaches sift through sand?
Replies: 130
Views: 75098

Re: Do hillstream loaches sift through sand?

There are some slender Loaches that also inhabit fast running streams, so would also use the common name 'Hillstream Loaches'.
Have a look at this one!
https://www.loaches.com/species-index/jinshaia-sinensis
by Diana
Thu May 03, 2018 7:20 pm
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Starting a tank for Weather loaches
Replies: 8
Views: 7770

Re: Starting a tank for Weather loaches

INE they are not 'nasty'. They get along fine with each other, and other species as long as the tank is large enough. 4' long is a reasonable size. No smaller, though. I have not kept the pink ones, but usually the color does not make a difference in the personality. Odessa Barbs are indeed another ...
by Diana
Wed May 02, 2018 7:08 pm
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Starting a tank for Weather loaches
Replies: 8
Views: 7770

Re: Starting a tank for Weather loaches

Weather Loaches do not mind either way. Since they dig, and this might cloud the water I would make sure there is average or better circulation, do not skimp. A good sized filter with plenty of room for sponges and floss can help. If you are not doing a planted tank, then I would mimic their stream ...
by Diana
Sun Apr 29, 2018 11:34 am
Forum: Fish Health & Treatment
Topic: Ich?
Replies: 62
Views: 44415

Re: Ich?

The flashing is a hint that something is still bothering the fish.
Good to keep up the medication.