29 gallon River Tank

**Limming** · 03-19-2013, 04:17 PM

MTS is now in full effect for me! A article from Practical Fish Keeping brought the hill stream loach to my attention and I've decided to set up a river tank system. I won't be starting the build until the beginning of May when classes end but I'm starting now to ask for advice while planning.

I'll be using a river tank manifold system to have a uni directional flow (http://www.loaches.com/articles/rive...ank%20manifold) with two power heads on one end and two intake sponges on the other. I'm aiming for medium to high lighting with java fern along the back out of the main flow then fill out the front end and sides with different crypts leaving the middle of the tank clear to mimic the middle of a stream.

I'll be using a Coral Life fixture with duel high output T5s, two AquaClear 70 power heads, two intake sponges (not sure where to get these) and PVC for the manifold. I'm thinking about adding a canister filter but the tank well be in a carpeted room and I'm worried about flooding issues.

For stocking I'm going to do 15 zebra danios for several months (after fishless cycle of course) then add 5 or 6 hill stream loachs.

**Hardy85** · 03-19-2013, 04:30 PM

That could be really cool, few tips

1. Angel the two power heads both towards middle of the tank, this should in theory cause a stronger flow in the middle while making the edges light flow
2. I think a 30 or 40 gallon breeder would be you best tank size for this (they are a wider longer tank, just short) - if you have the room look into one of these
3. Go to a local stream and start collecting a bunch of rock, I think for the middle of the tank you want almost all larger to medium size rock (anything from golf ball size to baseball all different shapes)
4. Have a few pieces of wood that look "wedged" in place
5. Have tank sloped - so water appears to be flowing down hill

**Limming** · 03-19-2013, 04:40 PM

Thanks for the tips. A 29 is the largest tank that well fit in the space I have. I didn't think about angling the power heads. What are peoples opinion about the flow rate I should be getting 27 gallon turn over rate a hour well this be enough to keep a good flow and keep the water well oxygenated?

**Hardy85** · 03-19-2013, 04:46 PM

For tank size then I'd say go 20 Long then... it has same foot print as the 29 gallon, and then you won't need as strong of a light since it will be lower

I'm just trying to picture a shall fast moving stream

**Limming** · 03-19-2013, 04:48 PM

I'm going with the 29 to allow for more zebra danios and a couple more loachs.

**steeler1** · 03-19-2013, 04:56 PM

Looking forward to seeing your tank up and running, I see hill stream loach's offered once in awile but don't know anybody that keeps them.

**Limming** · 03-19-2013, 05:58 PM

I can't wait either unfortunately it probably won't be until at least August at least till I get the loachs.

**Limming** · 03-20-2013, 07:36 PM

In the next few days I'll be picking up the power heads. I'll be going with two AquaClear 70s for a total of 800 gph. Has anyone ever used these and had bad experiences with them? On a separate note, where should I go about looking for intake sponges? I've not been able to find them anywhere. Other then that I think I'm going to start the build earlier then planned (just to tempting not to) so look forward to updates in the next month or so!

**AllenIsbell** · 03-20-2013, 10:21 PM

I wouldn't go with the Aquaclear 70 powerheads. They are bulky and ugly. I have to suggest using two Hydor Koralia 425's.

**Limming** · 03-21-2013, 01:25 AM

They look good (defiantly see the aquaclears being ugly) but it doesn't look like I'd be able to attach them to the manifold for one directional flow. My two biggest criteria are gph and how easy it would be to attach to the manifold I think the AquaClears looked the best at both of those for a reasonable price.