Zebras and Horseface Loaches - I need Your advice!

[Piranha]

Hi! I'm new to this site (though I've read a lot od topics here) and I think it is simply great! I'm sorry for my poor English I live in Poland (in Europe) and my English isn't as good as I wish it be I have a 700l (194 g) tank: 200 cm (80 inches) long, 70 cm (28 inches) wide and 50 cm (20 inches) tall. I'm going to buy (in September or October) circa 11 zebras and I have one problem. My tank is now almost empty - there are only 9 Horseface Loaches (Acantopsis choirorhynchos) in it. It is almost impossible to catch them in such big (long and wide) tank because they love to sift through the substrate and burry themselves when threatened Do Horseface Loaches make a a big danger to zebra's eggs and fry? Do You have any experiences with those loaches in zebras tank? I know the best tankmates for zebras are other zebras but I'm just wondering if I must catch all those loaches if i want to have a success with breeding zebras (if yes, do You have any idea how to catch those fish in such big tank? ) What do You think guys? Thank You in advance for Your help!

[CDNAqua]

Welcome to the site!

I would remove all rocks and obstacles from tank.

Then drag a large net through your substrate to sift out ALL loaches.

Loaches reach up to 12 " and feed on small fish in wild. not the best tank mate for breeding zebras.

In all honesty if anyone is conidereing breeding zebras. Think zebras only.

also check the type of gravel you have... if you have gravel...
nothing sharp and perferably sand.

I personlly use slate/barebottom tanks for Zebs. Easy to clean and pleasing to the eye!

Peace

Troy


Peace

[Piranha]

Welcome to the site!

I would remove all rocks and obstacles from tank.

Then drag a large net through your substrate to sift out ALL loaches.

Thanks for Your help! I will do that and certainly I will remove all Horseface Loaches from my tank.

also check the type of gravel you have... if you have gravel...
nothing sharp and perferably sand.

I have a river gravel 1,0-4,0 mm (0,04''-0,16''), something like this:

http://www.kingstonsupply.com/507%20gravel.jpg

Do You think this substrate is good for zebras? I had sand in my tanks

some time ago but there were always dead spots and anaerobic areas in

it (in spite of I had a lot of malaysian sand snails and Horseface Loaches

living in sand). I know I had maybe too thick sand layer but I needed it

for my plants. I know barebottom tanks are easy to clean but I don't

like how they look like I think a small gravel looks also nice and it is

better for plants (big tank + plants = less nitrates = healthier zebras )


Thanks CDNAqua for Your help ones again!