Hillstream Loach

[leighton_87]

I'm looking for advice from anyone that keeps Hillstream loaches.

They look fantastic and my planned stock could cope with the lower temperatures (I plan to keep my tank at around 23-24 degrees celcius) but I'm worried about their other requirements.

Are they as difficult as people make out and what do I need to get for them that won't disrupt most other fish.

I'm hoping to find someone with first hand experience as I think I've done all the reading I can and keep finding different opinions.

 

[Baccus]

It really depends on what type of HIllstream loach you are looking at getting. There are heaps that are all marketed under the same banner.
I personally have quite a few Gastromyzon species also known as Borneo Suckers, these I have with a mix of Corydoras and all get along fine.
With summer here in Australia my tanks are getting well over 33 degrees cel but my Borneo Suckers cope well with this (although I do not buy any in summer only in the cooler months so that they have time to acclimatise), in winter my cory tank can get down to 18 degrees Cel, and once again my Borneo suckers handle this well.
I also find that my Borneo suckers are very fond of large leafed plants, not to eat but just to clean the leaves and mine show no real interest in strong flow or currents, although my tank does have pretty heavy filteration and has good water movement throughout.

 

[phantomlink]

They need good oxygenated water, and a decent current in order to thrive. When I set up my loach tank I might put them in it because my current tank doesn't have the flow they require but they are doing fine.

 

[Scates11]

I am new to fishkeeping and was sold a hillstream loach by the guy at the lfs, I told him I have a tropical comunity tank and he said "they will be just fine in there". After more research I realize these are not ideal conditions but I keep my tank at 77 Degrees F and it has been just fine so far, my tank has a lot of flow so I am sure that helps. Not sure the exact type of the hillstream because there was no further detail given to me when I bought it. I would love to get at least 1 more because I love the look of them but I am going to wait to see how the one does for a few months. Mine seems to stick to only the glass, I have not seen him on any rocks or fake plants just yet.

 

[phantomlink]

While they do best in cooler water, they can/will live in 77 degrees or more

 

[leighton_87]

I think I might have to give them a miss which is a real shame. I have plenty of oxygenated water but not a really strong flow as I'm using a spray bar.

Is there any other small(ish) catfish/bottom dwellers that can be kept in small groups or on their own? I'd rather keep two of a slightly bigger bottom dweller than 6 pygmy corys.