Mixing them up a bit??

[Munkee]

I was hoping that you folks might have some advice as for what I can add to a 75G tank. I am currently keeping 6 B.Striata and was thinking of upping the shoal, but was also wondering if a small shoal of Histies would be ok with the 6 B.Striatas?

Should I just stick to only B.Striatas and add a few more, or mix things up a bit and add some B.Histronicas as well? If so, how many can I safely add without overstocking?

I have two large canister filters running so I am moving about 800G per hour with the filters and I have 2 powerhead as well for current.

[Emma Turner]

Hi Munkee,

Those two species make for a great mix, in my experience. In fact my parents have a 4ft tank which has been home to groups of Botia striata and B. histrionica for some years now. In case you haven't already seen the pics, have a look at these couple of old threads:

http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?t=2763
http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?t=4195

Stocking density will obviously depend on what other fish you have in the tank apart from the 6 B. striata. If you are not heavily stocked, I would say you would be fine to add 2 or 3 more B. striata and 7 or 8 B. histrionica.

Hope this helps,

Emma

[Munkee]

Excellent! Thank you so much Emma. I have only the 6 B.Striata at the moment. I will definately follow your advice. As I build up the population, I'll be sure to post the progress.

The photos are great. Thank you for sharing them with me.