Hillstream Loaches

[mikeinco]

I have a 125 gallon Angel fish tank and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with hillstream Loaches? I know they need extra oxygen in the water but other than that they are kind of new to me. I'm hoping to talk to a few folks that have these guys so I can get a better understanding of how to care for them. Thanks

[Dave66]

The Balitoridae, the hillstream loaches - all need current and high O2 levels. You can tell by their build that much. If you use multiple canister filters, which you should be in an aquarium that size, lower the outflows as much as you can and place them pointing in the same direction. Adding a flow of fine air bubbles is very helpful, I use four inch air stone disks for this. Large, rounded, river rocks should be placed on the floor of the tank, and should be algae covered. Temperatures vary depending on the species, so I would seek out a group of them that can handle the temperatures you're keeping your angels at.
Go to loaches.com and do a search for Balitoridae. That way you can check out the many genuses of hillstream loaches and their particular needs.
They are beautiful, interesting fishes but they have certain needs which must be addressed. They aren't difficult to keep given them.

Dave

[toddnbecka]

They also prefer cooler water, their natural habitat is fast-flowing streams. The ideal setup for hillstream loaches is a river tank, not really comfortable for angelfish. Here's a link with all you want/need to know about the critters: http://www.loaches.com/articles/hillstream-loaches-the-specialists-at-life-in-the-fast-lane