India - River Tank

jasnfeller · Post by **jasnfeller** » 04 Apr 2006, 22:54

I'm doing some research right now to start a river tank based around a school of puntius denisonii or denison's barbs/roseline shark/red line torpedo. I was wondering if the experts here could help me find a catfish/pleco/bottom feeder that would fit in this "biotype".

I am planning on having this in a 55gal tank.

Thanks, if y'all need more info let me know.

Jason

Post by **Silurus** » 04 Apr 2006, 23:13

Are you planning to stay true to biotope? The problem is that southern Indian catfishes that live in fast-flowing streams are not particularly easy to come by.

jasnfeller · Post by **jasnfeller** » 04 Apr 2006, 23:48

I would like to stay as true as possible to the biotype...the problem is I have time on my side...maybe not money

If not I would probably get rubberlips.

My first goal isn't to breed any of the fish, but I would like it to be as "natural" as possible and if they breed, then great they bred and I can sell/trade them.

I have searched and searched and it's hard to find simething that is maybe 6" max

Post by **Silurus** » 05 Apr 2006, 00:15

Well, maybe not exactly south India, but if you want to go with Asian hillstream cats, there's . These are sometimes available (in fact, I am looking to get rid of mine real soon).

jasnfeller · Post by **jasnfeller** » 05 Apr 2006, 00:22

How soon is real soon??? I'm actually moving in two weeks to DC and really just in the planning/saving stages for my tank(gotta get the fiancee on board). Can you tell me more about them what region of the tank they swim in, aggressive, cold water ok?

my original plans were to keep it cold water b/c everything say I can(no other reason)

I was also trying to find something that I know could be a "cleaner crew" I guess I would still need an algae eater with those?

Post by **Silurus** » 05 Apr 2006, 02:13

Batasio spend most of their time on the bottom (like most other catfish). They do best in cool water (not above the mid-70s), and unfortunately, will not solve your algae problem. For that, your best bet are balitorid loaches (like Gastromyzon or Beaufortia) if you want to keep the tank Asian.
Actually, I have to start thinking of getting rid of my fish now. Would prefer local pickup, since I think it's still a little too chilly for shipping fish without a heat pack), but let me think about it...

jasnfeller · Post by **jasnfeller** » 05 Apr 2006, 03:21

well they seem like cool fish, and would fit my needs, if you think about selling them say, mid may, I'd consider purchasing them from you...not sure how expensive/rare they are, and what shipping costs.

Are you able to point me in the same direction with some other fish that might fit in this tank around the barbs...honestly no-one else has been able to give as direct info as you!

jasnfeller · Post by **jasnfeller** » 07 Apr 2006, 03:10

what about the "Amblycipitidae" are they just not found in the aquarium trade?

Post by **Silurus** » 07 Apr 2006, 03:15

Amblyceps can sometimes be found in the aquarium trade, but they don't seem to be popular with importers.