Small Loricariid catfish require fast moving water, of 50% rain water and 50% tap water
with a modest temperature range of between 73°F and 75°F. Whilst in the main they are
nocturnal and require the shade of both bogwood and rock work, the aquarium itself
requires good strong lighting to provide the algae on which these catfish graze.
Create lots of shade and use a strong power fitter to create a water
current.
Plants such as Vallisneria and Echinodorus to the rear and side of the aquarium are not
only inexpensive but ideal. One or two halves of a flower pots turned away from the direct
front view, make wonderful homes for Ancistrus, Farlowella, Rineloricara, and others. The
fore ground can be left open for ease of feeding and cleaning.
When purchasing new fish, avoid specimens with whitened or sunken eyes, and make sure that
they appear to have been feeding; i.e. that the stomach is rounded outwards, not hollowed
inwards.
Many of the larger species of Loricariid tend to be aggressive especially towards their
own kind. For this reason they are not recommended for the smaller well-furnished
aquarium.
TIP
Stones and rocks placed in a shallow bowl of water out in the garden quickly obtain a
growth of algae. These can be swapped with the rocks in the aquarium to maintain a regular
source of algae.
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