Synodontis or Botias?

[Jim2982]

I know Synodontis are the norm with African Cichlids, but I heard that Skunk Botia Loaches make a good cleanup crew to keep with them also. Has anyone else heard this or had any experience using Loaches? Or does anyone have any ideas of something different to use? Or should I just get a couple of Synodontis and be done with it?

[bra8ndy8]

I have Clown loaches, and Bristle Nose plecos in my 300 gallon cichlid tank! I don't care for the synodontis...they will eat the fry.

[somefishguy]

I have both in the tank. My cichlids leave my loaches alone unless they trying to breed. But be reasonable, a 6" cichlid wouldn't mind eating a 2" loach.

Helps that both the loaches and the synodontis are the big fish in my tank, just look at some of my pics posted here and you'll know.

[kewlkatdady]

I use clown loaches as they do well in the higher pH conditions.


Brandy... CL's will eat fry also beware.

[bra8ndy8]

Humm I have never had one eat mine...LOL I asked them tonight!!

[lellison]

Careful Brandy, they are all LIARS! lol, I don't know I just felt like yelling via text.:twitch:

[bra8ndy8]

LOL

[kewlkatdady]

your cl's are still in the closet...

they'll come out...

[somefishguy]

I watched my frontosa pound down two loaches within minutes of them entering the tank, that why I passed it on.

[FishGurl721]

try yoyo loaches, they're great! they're pretty active during the day and will eat just about anything, they don't get super big like clowns do too. I'm actually kinda worried about one of mine because he doesn't stop eating and his tummy is ENORMOUS lol