Hill stream loach questions

**Limming** · 03-13-2013, 04:36 AM

I'm in the early stages of planning either a 20 long or a 30 gallon river tank using a system for uni directional flow found in this article http://www.loaches.com/articles/rive...ank%20manifold. I'm planning on zebra danios or a more colorful barb that well like the fast current then add the loachs several months later. My question is wither the 20 long or 30 gallon would be better for them. Due to space constants and the price difference I'd rather have the 20 long but want others opinions on if this would work.

**talldutchie** · 03-13-2013, 06:53 AM

A 20 long could be made to work without issues. Perhaps you can stock a few loaches less but that's it.

What are you planning to do for lighting? These guys love algae/aufwuchs and therefore some good lighting would be a good idea.

**Limming** · 03-13-2013, 04:49 PM

I'm going to go with the 30 gallon. I'm not sure what I'm doing for lighting yet (not going to start the build until May waiting till the semesters done) but I know its going to be strong. I think I'll aim for 2 or 3 watts per gallons. My plan for now is java fern along the back then various crypts with the middle being clear for rocks to stimulate the middle of a river. Other stocking will be 10 or so zebra danios then wait for several months to make sure the tank is mature for the loachs.